The new corporate membership packages for the new community stadium for the 2008/9 season were launched at a reception on Tuesday evening in a packed Vice Presidents Lounge at Layer Road.

For the first time in the history of Colchester United, the club is able to offer first class hospitality all the year round.

A total of 24 boxes, with package prices ranging from £14,500 upwards were presented for the coming season and a sensational thirteen were sold on the night as businesses flocked to be a part of the U's exciting future.

But the very first to sign and to secure Box 11 was Guy Longhurst of Ellisons Solicitors.

Guy told the official website: "Ellisons and Colchester United enjoy a very special relationship.

"As the Club's solicitors we have been actively involved in the Cuckoo Farm project for many years and are delighted that the club and the town will soon have a wonderful new stadium.

"We are proud of the firm's long association with the club and felt it was right to demonstrate our confidence in the club and its future at the new stadium by being the first to sign up for an executive suite."

Jason Berry, Sales and Marketing Manager at Colchester United FC was delighted with the success of the launch: "What a fantastic start to the marketing campaign.

"Naturally, it is very pleasing to have so many sold on the first day of release.

"More importantly we are delighted to see so many members of the Colchester business community happy to step up and show their support for what we aim to achieve at the new stadium.

"Special thanks go to Ellisons for being first and setting the sales process rolling."

Other local organisations to sign up for an executive suite last night include Saxons Estate Agents and Jobserve amongst many others.

"We are delighted that the local business community has got right behind us and shown their support for the team, particularly as we look to move clear of trouble and up the Championship table between now and the end of the season," Head of Commercial Operations Sue Page added.

Further details regarding the remaining executive suites can be provided by contacting Colchester United's Sales & Marketing department on 01206 715306 or commercial@colchesterunited.net.

Following the launch of the executive suite packages, the club will soon be providing further details of the Corporate Membership packages available on an invididual or group basis.

These packages will provide exclusive access to the executive bars at the new stadium, along with the opportunity to sample some of the finest corporate hospitality around.

Full details regarding the club's new look corporate facilities can soon be found on the club's official website, www.cu-fc.com, but click HERE to see our executive suite details.