HULL BACK IN THE BIG TIME!

Hull City fans during celebrations in Queen Victoria Square

Businesses urged to take up ‘money can’t buy’ opportunity as Hull City return to the Premier League

HUGE OPPORTUNITY AS TIGERS RETURN TO PREMIER LEAGUE

The return of Hull City to the Premier League is such a massive moment for the city Councillor Mike Ross

22 ago 2026 - Hull Daily Mail

By PAUL DRURY-BRADEY paul.drury-bradey@reachplc.com

AS Hull City get ready for their long-awaited return to the Premier League after almost a decade away, local businesses have been urged to make the most of the “massive” opportunities presented by top-level football being back in the region.

The Tigers host Manchester United at lunchtime today, three months after winning promotion through the Championship play-offs. Kick-off at the MKM Stadium is at 12.30pm and the game against Michael Carrick’s side is live on TNT Sports.

Ahead of the big match, council leaders, tourism chiefs and business leaders have urged businesses around the city to work together to capitalise on the opportunity - highlighting the potential boost for pubs, clubs and restaurants around the region with larger Premier League crowds and more excitement around the football expected.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council said: “We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to Hull, whether they are from Manchester,

Liverpool, Newcastle or Brighton. With Hull having been recognised as a top 25 place to visit in the world in 2026, I know they will be well entertained, not just at the match, and we would encourage fans to make more of the visit than just the game itself. “Whether it is the tremendous hospitality venues, the cultural scene or events throughout the year, visitors to Hull can be guaranteed a great time while they visit Hull. The return of Hull City to the Premier League is such a massive moment for the city and one that I am keen to see local businesses and organisations grasp.”

Cllr Ross explained the Premier League coming to Hull would be huge for tourism in the city, and would also show-off the region to international viewers through bigger and more regular live television broadcasts. This could prove to be a priceless opportunity for growing businesses here.

He added: “It is well known that having your club in the top tier of English football is the sort of publicity for a place that money can’t buy, with a global reach of the league across the world. Seeing the spotlight on Hull again for positive reasons, after a successful summer of events, such as the reopening of the Maritime Museum, is fantastic and hopefully a successful season for the club will see that continue into next year as well.”

Luke Campbell, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, is determined to make the most of Hull City ‘being talked about and watched around the world again.’ He explained he is keen to meet with the club’s leadership and learn what local and regional government can do to help the club’s upward trajectory.

“I want the Tigers to stay in the top flight and if there are sensible things we can do around investment, infrastructure, regeneration or the fan experience, I want us around the table,” Mr Campbell explained.

“There is already a real buzz around the city and I want local businesses to make the most of it. Whether you run a pub, restaurant, hotel, shop or you have a completely new idea, we are going to have thousands of visitors coming into Hull and a lot more attention on the city on match days. My message to businesses is be ambitious.”

***

Beyond the stadium gates

22 Aug 2026 - Hull Daily Mail

LUKE Campbell, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire said the economic benefit of Premier League football shouldn’t stop at the stadium gates.

He said: “If somebody is looking to start, invest in or grow a business, our Growth Hub can help them understand what advice, finance and support may be available, and I would encourage businesses with good ideas to reach out to the team.”

Newland Social HU5, upstairs at Molly Mangan ’s on Newland Avenue, is planning a huge World Cup style fan zone for Saturday’s game and is expecting large crowds of football fans for the season opener. And the PQ Event Space at Princes Quay is hosting a family-friendly football experience. Doors open from 10.30am and the new event will offer big-screen coverage, refreshments and more.

Tourism chiefs are also gearing up for busy matchdays around the whole city and are hopeful that Premier League fans will spend both time and money in the wider region.

Chris Blacksell, chair of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, said: “Hull City’s return to the Premier League is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Hull and the wider East Yorkshire region to audiences across the UK and around the world.

“We’re working with local businesses and tourism partners to ensure every fan receives a warm Yorkshire welcome, from the moment they arrive at the railway station to their time exploring our hotels, restaurants, attractions and vibrant city centre. Premier League football brings global visibility, helping us attract more visitors, support local businesses and share Hull’s unique character, rich maritime heritage and international cultural scene.”

Hull offers a uniquely accessible and affordable day-out or weekend destination for away fans visiting the city for the first time, David Hooper, Managing Director of the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, has said. He is hopeful of more local businesses trying to run special menus, matchday promotions and delivering creative events to attract match-going fans. Mr Hooper promised extra marketing support for Chamber of Commerce members running special promotions and delivering new ideas.

He added: “The Premier League coming back to Hull is a real boost for Hull and the wider region because we’re going to be welcoming travelling fans who would not otherwise come to East Yorkshire. We already work closely with Hull City and use the MKM Stadium for networking events. Top level sport can boost our successful businesses in so many ways, I can’t wait for this season to get started.”

Hull City captain Lewie Coyle lifts the 

Championship Play off trophy at Wembley