Banbridge-based Game of Thrones Studio Tour has announced new sponsorship agreements with three local sports clubs, in a move to support the very community and town where a huge part of the HBO series was filmed, and where the Studio Tour itself is based.
The partnerships include a three-year sponsorship of Banbridge Hockey Club and two-year sponsorships of Banbridge Tennis Club and Banbridge Football Club, supporting both youth and adult teams across the clubs.
Linen Mill Studios’ Game of Thrones Studio Tour is the official visitor attraction for the hit TV series, showcasing many of the sets, costumes, artefacts and production background stories. It also features a restaurant, cafe and interactive visitor displays making it an all-encompassing celebration of the show for fans.
Since opening, it has welcomed visitors from around the world and last year it recorded its strongest year-on-year growth since opening in 2022. Visitor numbers were up 94 per cent in January 2026 compared to the same period last year and ticket revenue increased by 61 per cent.
The partnerships will provide financial support to help the clubs maintain facilities, expand coaching opportunities and continue delivering programmes that encourage participation in sport at all levels.
Amy Houston, Marketing Manager, Game of Thrones Studio Tour, said: “Being based in Banbridge means we are part of the local community, and supporting grassroots sport is an important way for us to contribute positively to the town and the people who live here.
“Sport plays a powerful role in building confidence, teamwork and resilience, particularly among young people. Those values closely align with the work we are doing through our education and community engagement programmes at the Studio Tour.
“We are delighted to partner with Banbridge Hockey Club, Banbridge Tennis Club and Banbridge Football Club and look forward to supporting the fantastic work they do in bringing people together through sport.”
The attraction has also recently expanded its education programme, welcoming more than 1,200 students in 2025, engaging 1,149 learners already in 2026 and over 700 learners participating in the first six weeks of 2026 alone through organised educational visits and industry learning experiences.
Through immersive visits and workshops, students explore the authentic sets from the series, including Winterfell and King’s Landing, while learning about careers in production design, costume creation, prop making, visual effects and storytelling.
By supporting both educational initiatives and grassroots sport, the Studio Tour aims to encourage creativity, participation and aspiration among young people across Northern Ireland.
Banbridge Hockey Club Chair, Nigel Allister, commented:
“Banbridge Hockey Club is delighted to welcome Game of Thrones Studio Tour as one of our major sponsors. As a club we see ourselves as part of the local community and welcome this partnership as another way to strengthen those ties. We look forward to a collaborative working relationship and are delighted to have such a global brand associated with the club.”
Warren Jardine, Club Development Officer, Banbridge Tennis Club added:
“It is fantastic to have Game of Thrones Studio Tour as our key sponsor. The partnership will further allow the club to expand its offering to the local community and get people involved who may never have participated in the sport before. The partnership will provide a significant benefit to our club teams and our aspirations to develop our ‘tennis for all’ objective. We are very excited to begin this journey with high profile partner in Game of Thrones Studio Tour.”
Orrin Harvey, Secretary, Banbridge Football Club, continued:
“Banbridge Town Football Club is proud to partner with Game of Thrones Studio Tour as part of this exciting initiative for local sport. This sponsorship will play a vital role in supporting our club at an important period in our history. As a club rooted in the local community, we value partnerships that help us grow, both on the field and off and help develop players from the local area. We look forward to working together and building a strong relationship over the coming years.”