Reopening date of Hull Arena revealed
REFURBISHED ARENA INCLUDES A NEW ICE PAD ON THE ICE RINK
THE date for the anticipated reopening of Hull Arena has finally been revealed – and it is very soon.
The venue will reopen following a £1.55m facelift this Saturday, October 30.
The newly refurbished arena includes a new ice pad on the ice rink, with new multi-light and enhanced sound systems.
To ensure the building is Covid19 compliant, air conditioning and air circulation has been enhanced, while toilets and team changing facilities have been renovated and all areas refreshed with new signage.
Hull City Council leader Cllr Daren Hale said: “It’s fantastic to see Hull Arena reopen to the public following this key leisure investment.
“The improvements have given the arena another lease of life. Some of the most costly new parts installed including the ice pad, could eventually be transferred to a new arena meaning a saving for us in the future.
“Hull Arena is the regions only Olympic-sized rink and is used by many local clubs and groups.
“It’s of tremendous value to people in the wider region, as well as
Hull so I’m delighted we have been able to reopen for them.”
The arena closed its doors in March 2020, ahead of the major refurbishment.
Attracting 147,000 visitors per year, the arena is a popular venue and Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd have a number of opening offers available to attract users back to the centre.
The Hull Big Skate will be giving away 100 free admissions a week for six weeks. Visit www.hcandl.co.uk/ hullbigskate to apply for a free ticket, valid for a week.
Free confidence-building sessions are also available for new and nervous skaters for the first four weeks on a Saturday with trained coaches.
These sessions are available for anyone aged four and above who can stand unaided on the ice.
Councillor Hester Bridges, portfolio holder for leisure and deputy leader at Hull City Council, said: “We are so pleased to welcome everyone back to the arena, which is looking great.
“Ice sports are a really great way to be active, have fun and stay healthy, and the arena offers a great place to meet up with family and friends to skate or watch ice hockey matches.
“We have some fantastic local teams - the Jets, Kingston Diamonds, Sharks, Cobras, KC Knights, as well as the Rec teams and Junior Figure Club - who will be delighted to be back in the Arena, and would love local support.”
Following a plaque unveiling and ceremonial opening by the Lord Mayor Councillor Lynn Petrini, there will be a public showcase event at 5.15pm, with demonstrations from local synchro skating clubs and junior hockey teams.
Later, a family Halloween disco skate session will follow from 6.30pm to 8pm and a public skate session will run from 8pm to 9.30pm.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair for Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd said: “We are delighted to be reopening so we can offer a whole range of ice activities, including the Big Skate and skate taster sessions.
“The Big Skate campaign has been designed to encourage people to give ice skating a go, as well as inspire those that already enjoy ice sports to come along and reignite their excitement for the sport”.