Music can be an essential part of the atmosphere at a sports event - whether it’s a beloved team anthem, used to celebrate that crucial score or helping move people out of the ground quickly at the end of the event.
Sports venues playing music need a licence from PRS for Music. The rates are based on the different ways they use music:
- As part of sports events – before, during and after
- In specific areas such as restaurants, bars and offices
- At other events – such as concerts – which may be held at the venue
What it costs
Our licence tariff for sports events Tariff SE is used to assess music use leading up to and within an event (including boxes). Charges are tailored to reflect the amount of music played and the number of admissions to each event.
Charges are made on account at the beginning of each licence year, based on the previous year’s music use. Charges are then adjusted at year end using the actual details provided.
Buy or renew your licence
Sports venues playing music will need to do the following on an annual basis:
- Download the Tariff SE standard review form (please enable macros if prompted)
- Complete the form with details of featured music played at events
- Email the form to customer.musiclicence@prsformusic.com
Do you manage a racecourse?
PRS for Music has agreed specific guidance for racecourses, reflecting the different nature of their venues.
Download the racecourse review form (please enable macros if prompted)
The benefits
A recent survey* revealed that 81% of sports event attendees like to hear music played at appropriate times. Of those:
- 82% say music makes the event more enjoyable
- 75% say that playing music significantly improves the atmosphere in the stadium.
*Music Works survey of 2,000 people, conducted in March 2009. Visit www.musicworksforyou.com for details.
Further research
Appendix: Research study: Music use in rugby grounds
Appendix: Research study: The benefits of using music in your business
Other licence tariffs you may need
Additional charges apply for areas such as bars, restaurants, hospitality areas, conference facilities, and offices. The venue management also needs to declare any other events that take place at the venue such as concerts, including events where the venue is hired to a third party. These music uses are charged under the relevant PRS for Music tariff.
Other tariffs that may apply to a sports venue include but are not limited to:
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Pubs, bars |
Tariff P
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Restaurants
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Tariff HR
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Music on Hold - callers are 20% less likely to hang up if music is played while they wait |
Tariff MH (effective January 2012)
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Featured Live or Recorded Music Events*
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Stadium events will be charged under the applicable PRS for Music Tariff. Please see here.
Events within stadium facilities (discos etc.) will be charged using the tariff applied to that facility. |
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Changing Rooms, Corridors, Foyers |
Tariff GP (Section 3.8) |
*PRS for Music does not currently charge for music usage at weddings, civil ceremonies or family parties.
Tariff SE was developed in consultation with customers and sports governing bodies. The tariff was agreed with England and Wales Cricket Board, The Football Association, Football League, Lawn Tennis Association, Premier League, Premier Rugby, Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union.