The largest Ice Hockey Arenas in the UK – What drives people to watch the game
Ice Hockey is generally regarded as one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with the likes of football, rugby, golf and tennis all being officially supported. Although it is very popular in North America and Russia, the EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League) enjoyed an attendance of over 1.5 million / 25, and online viewing figures are also on the rise.
Most of the Ice Hockey Arenas in the UK are multi-purpose, with the potential to convert other types of venues as ways to generate revenue during the off-season. We explore some of the biggest arenas in the UK below, and delve a little deeper into the world of UK Ice Hockey.
Ice Hockey in the UK
The Elite Ice Hockey League features teams from the UK member states, with the Belfast Giants representing Northern Ireland and Cardiff Favils representing Wales. Scotland has three teams in the league: the meeting of glasgow, the stars of Dundee, and the remaining 5 teams from England, including the hidden tasters, who are at the top of the table.
Even the experts are finding it difficult to choose between the sheffield speciverteres and the nottingham panthers, with a clash between the UK’s top license book operators and Gamstop Reservations firmness.
The Cardiff Demons currently sit in third place on 11 points, two behind the Steelers and one behind the Panthers, while Manchester Storm are breathing down their necks with 10 points. It is this close action that is so appealing to fans who can see the League Tab completely change a few games.
Other factors that have promoted Ice Hockey in the UK include its strong atmosphere and strong community within the fan base. The game is one of the most accessible options for families, with cheap tickets making it a better option than more UK sports.
Access to the internet has made it easier for fans to access live UK Ice Hockey ratings and highlights, as well as being able to access some of the world’s major languages, including the NHL. Social platforms help Fanbases stay connected with teams, and the potential for growth in the UK is huge, with millions of sports fans open to the chance of exciting winter sports to get behind.
The largest Ice Hockey Arenas in the UK
With Ice Hockey becoming a new option for UK sports fans, the infrastructure is still not up to par in countries where the game has been popular for years. The potential for the game to grow in the UK is huge, and as crowds continue to rise, purpose-built arenas will become a viable option.
Currently, many different arenas are used as ice hockey venues, but there are excellent options for hockey fans.
Utilita Arena, Sheffield
Sheffield Utilita Arena is the world’s largest indoor arena with a maximum capacity of 13,600 for fixed and static events such as music, and currently speffield peterers home games. The first game of ice hockey hosted by the 1991 Benson & Hedges Cup Final saw on the sidelines of the home court, more than 10,100 fans watched.
National Ice Centre, Nottingham
The Nottingham National Ice Center dates back to the year 2000, with a capacity of 7,500 for ice hockey and other sports, up to 10,000 for concerts. When it opened, it was the only UK-U-UK Olympic center designed to improve the accessibility of Ice Skating to people in the local area.
Odyssey Arena, Belfast
The Belfast giants play out of the Odyssey Arena, also known as the SSE Arena, which has a capacity of 9,957. The venue also hosts concerts with 14,000 concerts. It opened in 2000 after being jointly organized by the National Lottery Millennium Commission.
The center also hosts a bowling alley, a multi-screen cinema, and restaurants, making it a well-known area of Belfast.
Fuife Ice Arena, Kirkcaldy
The Fife Flyers play out of the Fife Ice Arena, originally opened in 1938 as the Kirkaldy Ice Rink. The local hockey capacity is about 3,525.
Along with being home to the Ice Hockey team, the area also hosts a variety of other ice-related endeavors, including Figure Skating, curling, and skating. As a multipurpose venue, it has hosted concerts, boxing events, and more.
Brahead Arena, Glasgow
The Brahead Arena was opened in 1999 and can hold up to 3,500 for Ice Hockey and other sporting events, or 5,200 for concerts. The venue has hosted many events, including masters football, conventions, WWE events, and Beyoncé performed there again in 2004.
The venue is the current home of the Glasgow Clan in the EIHL and the Peasley Pirates, who play on SNL, The National League National League.
Coventry Skydome, Coventry
The Coventry Skydome is an entertainment center that houses the Odenon Cinema, Premsung Gym, and Planet ICE, a 4,000 capacity ice and event venue.
Dundee Ice Arena, Dundee
Dundee Ice Arena is the fourth largest ice rink, with a capacity of 2,400, and is home to the Dundee stars.
Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff
The Cardiff Demons play at the Ice Arena Wales, also known as the Vindiyo Arena, which has a capacity of 3,100 and was opened in 2016. As well as being home to Skating Training, and the Ice Disco on Friday nights.
Lasting
While soccer is by far the most popular sport in the UK, there is a growing number of smaller sports that are popular in other countries, starting to make an impression here. Ice Hockey in the UK is strong, with growing numbers of spectators and participants making it an exciting time for the game.
