- September 15, 2024
- Posted by: SportsV
- Categories: Case Studies, Featured Articles, Features, Home News, Industry News, News, Press Releases
The puck is about to drop on another thrilling season of ice hockey at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, home of the Panthers. It’s the 25th season for Nottingham’s ice hockey team, with all the stops pulled out by the home venue to make this the best season ever for fans. It comes as the Motorpoint Arena gears up for its own 25th birthday celebrations next year with an exhibition showcasing the stories of the venue, a gala skate, community celebrations and much more in the pipeline.
Nottingham Panthers moved from the old Nottingham Ice Stadium to the National Ice Centre ahead of the 2000-01 season. Since moving to the Arena, Panthers have won one Elite League title, five playoff championships and eight Challenge Cups. They also became the first and only UK side so far to win a trophy in Europe when they secured the Continental Cup in 2016-17.
Now Motorpoint Arena is celebrating the milestone anniversary with a jam-packed season of food pop ups, special packages, player interviews, podcasts, hospitality upgrades, meal deals and much more.
Rebecca Freeman, Head of Marketing & Comms at Motorpoint Arena, said:
Whether you’re a returning fan or a new face in the crowd, we’ve got everything you need to make this season the best yet. So, grab your jersey, and let’s get ready to paint the arena black and gold!
Live podcasts, interviews with players, games and live music will get match days underway with a pre game party at Saltbox, with the first home match of the 25th season on Saturday 14 September.
Over in the main Arena, a new food and drink offer will see fans being able to grab a meal with a Panthers beer for under a tenner, with a choice of hot dogs, southern fried chicken burgers or a carvery roll from the outlets on the Concourse. A Green Room hospitality upgrade and Spotlight Sunday Lunch Upgrade are also on offer for relaxed dining before and after matches.
The key focus of the SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition is to elevate and innovate the live experience through architecture & design, customer journey, fan & VIP experience, hospitality, premium sales & service, technology, sustainability and venue commercialisation, with New Builds, Renovations and Major Refurbishments taking centerstage.
To celebrate the 25th season, a special limited-edition eco cup has been created to reuse and keep as a souvenir. Estrella 0.0 will be available with 50p for each draught pint purchased to be donated to Motorpoint’s chosen charity Brake.
New Face Off Experience
The Face Off Experience is a new hospitality package giving access to the Green Room for a pre-game meal before heading to catch all the match action from a shared suite.
Postgame interviews with the players will take place in the Green Room an hour after the game ends, open to all ticket holders and the perfect place to finish the game day experience.
The Panthers first game in their new home took place on 2 September 2000 with Barry Nieckar scoring the first goal in a 2-1 victory over London Knights in front of a crowd of nearly 5,000.
There have been so many memorable nights and trophy wins at the National Ice Centre (NIC), including Jordan Fox scoring the overtime winner in the playoff final in April 2013 against Belfast Giants as Panthers won the treble.
One of the best performances ever seen by a Panthers team at the NIC came in September 2017 in the Champions Hockey League. Panthers, 32nd and bottom seed in the tournament, stunned top Swiss side Bern who were ranked fourth, with a 4-2 victory on their way to reaching the group stages of the tournament.
For Panthers fixtures, go to www.panthers.co.uk
To find out more about the fan experience offers, sign up to the Motorpoint Arena mailing list on the website or download the fan guide www.motorpointarenanottingham.
About Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
A world-class entertainment venue located in the heart of Nottingham city centre showcasing the biggest names in music, comedy and sport and with a capacity of 10,000+. The arena is one of the most versatile and vibrant entertainment venues in the UK and a cultural landmark and a hub for live entertainment in the East Midlands. Home to Nottingham Panthers, the premier ice hockey team in Nottingham and one of the most successful in the UK.
For more information: www.motorpointarenanottingham.
About National Ice Centre
The first twin Olympic-sized ice pad facility in the UK, the NIC today offers a wide range of on ice activities including public skating, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and lessons for all abilities. Along with Motorpoint Arena, the NIC is a combined live entertainment and leisure venue. The first ice rink was opened on 1 April 2000 by Olympic Gold Medalist, Jayne Torvill. The second Olympic Rink was opened the following year, on 7 April 2001.
For more information: www.national-ice-centre.com
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