MANCHESTER STORM MAKE HISTORY AS RECORD CROWD WELCOMES HOCKEY HOME TO AO ARENA
The landmark attendance sets a new record for an Elite Hockey League pre-season fixture, underlining the huge appetite for the return of professional ice hockey to Manchester and creating an unforgettable atmosphere inside one of the UK’s biggest indoor arenas.
After more than two decades away, the Storm returned to their former home in front of a sea of blue, with supporters travelling from across Manchester and beyond to celebrate the beginning of a new era for the club.
The highly anticipated fixture against Sheffield Steelers delivered an electric night of hockey. On the ice, supporters were treated to a thrilling and tense contest, with the Storm and Steelers battling to a 5-5 draw, before the away team prevailed on penalties.
The record attendance caps a remarkable build-up to the Storm’s return, with demand for tickets continuing to grow as supporters eagerly anticipated seeing the club back on the ice at the AO Arena for the first time since 2004.
Fans were treated to an enhanced matchday experience, with entertainment and activities taking place throughout the venue, helping to create a festival atmosphere around the historic occasion.
The significance of the homecoming extends far beyond tonight’s record-breaking attendance. With Manchester Storm set to bring approximately 35 games to the city centre each year, the return of professional ice hockey is expected to provide a regular programme of major sporting events for Manchester and its visitors.
These fixtures will help attract thousands of visitors into the city, generating meaningful economic activity for local hotels, restaurants, bars, retailers and transport providers, while supporting the wider visitor economy.
The programme will also further strengthen Manchester’s reputation as a leading destination for sport, entertainment and live experiences, adding another major sporting proposition to the city’s already diverse events calendar.
The return of Manchester Storm represents a significant moment for ice hockey in the city, bringing elite-level hockey back to one of Europe’s largest indoor sporting arenas and providing a new generation of supporters with the opportunity to experience the club in its iconic former home.
Gemma Vaughan, General Manager at the AO Arena says, “Tonight is a hugely significant moment for Manchester. To welcome Manchester Storm back to their former home after more than 20 years, and to do so in front of a record Elite Hockey League crowd, is incredibly special.
“The response from supporters has demonstrated the strength of Manchester’s passion for ice hockey and the demand for world-class sport in the city. We’re proud to be able to provide a home for the Storm as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
