After half-a-million jabs, Derby Arena reopens for sports once again
OH YES IT DOES...AND FOR PANTO AND COMEDY, TOO
DERBY Arena has reopened for use as a sports and events venue, after the city’s mass Covid vaccination centre moved.
People will once again be able to go track cycling and watch shows at the arena, with upcoming events including musical shows and stand-up comedy from Jimmy Carr, ahead of the Derby pantomime in December.
The gym, health and fitness facilities were able to remain open in accordance with Government restrictions, but a number of scheduled shows had to be postponed and the velodrome had to stay closed.
The velodrome itself was used as a staging area where thousands of people received their first and second Covid jabs.
It was announced in August that the mass Covid vaccination centre would leave the area at the end of August when the NHS’S lease of the building ran out.
In the eight-and-a-half months that the NHS occupied the building, staff gave out more than half-a-million jabs of the vaccine. People from Burton were among those who received jabs.
Since August 25, jabs have been carried out at Midland House, the former home of Derby Cathedral School.
Councillor Ross Mccristal, cabinet member for wellbeing, leisure, culture and tourism at Derby City Council, said it was time to let the venue get back to business.
“No one could have predicted how Derby Arena would help so many of us increase our protection against Covid-19,” he said.
“Everyone involved in running the mass vaccination centre should feel rightly proud.
“Now that vaccinations have moved to their new location at Midland House, it’s time to get back on track and let Derby Arena do what it does best. It’s time to start coming back to enjoy what we’ve missed, while continuing to Do the Right Thing for Derby and treating each other with consideration.”
Track cycling sessions can be booked online through the Derby Arena website, by phone on 01332 640011 or using the Inderby app.
Full listings and ticket information for shows at the venue can be found at derbylive.co.uk