Integrity IT has helped a Cumbrian cricket club ensure that visitors can see every match of this year’s summer of sport. Penrith Cricket Club has upgraded its WiFi network and installed a new live TV system in its clubhouse so that customers can make the most of big sporting events including the Euros, the Lions rugby tour of South Africa, England’s cricket fixtures and the Olympics.

The upgraded system allows the club to show different matches at the same time, meaning sports fans won’t miss a kick, pass or catch, while also delivering uninterrupted Wi-Fi access throughout the club’s Tynefield Park ground, including the beer garden.

The work was carried out by Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions ahead of the start of the summer sporting calendar.


Andrew Hall, Chairman of Penrith Cricket Club, said: “The new system has raised the bar for us in terms of what we can offer our customers. We wanted to make the most of this summer’s big sporting events and upgrading the network has given us more flexibility about which sports we can show and when across our three screens. The new Wi-Fi system is also helping us operate more effectively as a business because we can now take credit card payments outside in the beer garden, which makes life easier for our bar staff.

“People expect decent Wi-Fi when they visit a venue and, as well as the clubhouse and beer garden, we now have coverage throughout the ground, including for spectators watching the action on the pitch. We have a fantastic beer garden and a large function room, so being able to make the most of our facilities, both inside and outside, is an investment in the future of the club.”

“We wanted to make the most of this summer’s big sporting events and upgrading the network has given us more flexibility about which sports we can show and when across our three screens.”

Andrew Hall, Chairman of Penrith Cricket Club

Integrity IT Solutions, which also has a base in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, designs, supplies, supports and installs IT systems to suit all types and sizes of businesses across the north of England and south-west Scotland.

Stephen Whelan, Technical Director at the firm, said: “We were pleased to be able to help Penrith Cricket Club put in place an IT system which will develop and expand their business. The work included upgrading the audio/visual equipment in the clubhouse to ensure they can screen live sport on multiple channels and screens, and upgrading the Wi-Fi network to boost coverage. The team also enhanced the security of the Wi-Fi network to provide extra protection for credit card payments, and against potential external risks such as viruses.”

Andrew said the new IT system was part of a wider project to develop the facilities at Penrith Cricket Club.

He said: “During lockdown, we took the opportunity to move forward with our plans for the club so we’d be in a position to hit the ground running when restrictions eased. We developed our training and coaching programme so we were ready to welcome back existing as well as new players, and successfully applied for grant funding from several local organisations which enabled us to install an artificial cricket wicket, purchase a new outfield mower, and replace the existing scoreboard with an LED system.

“Last year, the cricket season was restricted to just eight weeks, and the junior players had no match time or training at all. It was essential that we were ready for the 2021 season to support our teams and the club at every level. The more people we can encourage to visit Penrith Cricket Club, enjoy cricket or any sport, then the bigger the benefit to the club and the wider community.”

“The team also enhanced the security of the Wi-Fi network to provide extra protection for credit card payments, and against potential external risks such as viruses.”

Stephen Whelan, Technical Director

Penrith Cricket Club runs three senior teams and five junior teams, as well as additional sessions for kids, girls and womens’ cricket.

The clubhouse and beer garden is open to the public from Monday 6pm to 8pm; Friday 6pm to closing; Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to closing.

For more information visit www.penrithcc.co.uk