The Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham is preparing for an extraordinary weekend as it gets set to welcome over 6,500 ice hockey enthusiasts for the Elite League season finale playoffs. With four teams competing for the title, the stage is set for an action-packed showdown.
The weekend festivities will consist of two matches on Saturday 20 April at 3pm and 7pm, and two more on Sunday 21 April at 1pm and 5pm. The showdown will commence with Sheffield Steelers taking on Guildford Flames at 3pm, followed by Cardiff Devils facing off against Belfast Giants at 7pm on Saturday.
Live entertainment will be available throughout the weekend, with various activities taking place in the main arena, the outdoor Bolero Square, and Saltbox – the official bar for the playoffs. The events will commence with breakfast at Saltbox from 9am and extend into the night with the official playoffs after party.
To ensure that all visiting fans feel welcome, dedicated fan zones with themed bars for each team have been established around the Arena bowl for the annual showpiece event.
Mark Brooks of the Elite Ice Hockey League expressed his anticipation, stating, “The Elite League Playoff Finals are always an outstanding occasion at the Motorpoint Arena. We look forward to everything the weekend has to offer at this great venue and the unrivalled atmosphere as we crown our 2024 playoff champions.”
In addition to the thrilling matches, fans will be treated to the 4000 and Counting Podcast, with special guests being recorded live at 11am each day. The weekend will also feature live music, food, and appearances from notable figures such as Todd Kelman, Managing Director of Cardiff Devils.
The weekend’s festivities will immerse fans in a truly captivating experience, with a range of special treats such as a unique Playoffs donut created by Project D and mouth-watering offerings from the Arena chefs including the ‘Homer’ burger.
To promote sustainability, refillable drink cups branded for the 2024 weekend will be available. The bars will offer a range of Greene King beers, and local independent brewery Neon Raptor will be hosting a bar takeover, creating a special Sin Bin session beer for the occasion.
Martin Ingham, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, expressed his pride in hosting the event, stating, “With our long-term deal to host the Play Offs until 2029, we are working hard to continually improve the fan experience year on year to make sure everyone has a fantastic weekend.”
In addition to the exhilarating matches, Nottingham has also prepared a warm reception for visitors, with the city’s Business Improvement District partnering with Motorpoint Arena and the National Ice Centre to run a Stay-n-Play competition. The winner expressed their excitement about exploring the city and experiencing the ice hockey event.
The Playoffs weekend will be televised on Premier Sports across the UK & Ireland and will also offer a pay-per-view streaming option online for fans watching on screens. In addition, Motorpoint Arena will have merch available for purchase and will be giving away exclusive items for those who sign up to the mailing list.
With the stage set for an unforgettable weekend of ice hockey action, Nottingham is prepared to welcome fans from near and far for a truly exceptional experience.