With Team GB games coming thick and fast, here's why you should get down to the Motorpoint Arena ASAP...
We all know Nottingham is home to one of the greatest ice hockey teams in the country (don’t laugh - it’s only one bad season, we’ll be back next year...), but by hosting international friendlies, IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship games, and more, our city is also becoming a major player on the global stage of the sport.
If you’re yet to take the punt on the game with the puck, here are three reasons why you should hot-step it down to Motorpoint Arena to see Team GB (and more) in action…
There's a Cracking Atmosphere
Anyone who was at last night’s match between Team GB and Latvia will know that ice hockey fans can bring the noise. Sure, by the 7,201st round of “Latvia! Latvia!” chants, it’s easy to get a little tired of the same tune, but the volume of cheers when either side slotted one home was enough to give the City Ground a run for its money.
What’s more, even in a game like this - with players smashing into each other left, right and centre - the atmosphere off the rink is never tense, never overrun with aggression. Jibes and jeers are all spouted in good spirits, and opposing fans sit side-by-side without throwing punches or pint glasses. If you want a more family-friendly sporting affair, this is the one for you.
It’s a Fun Sport for All
Look, does anyone really know all the rules to ice hockey? Sometimes, referees will allow the aforementioned smashing to go on with seemingly minimal intervention. Other times, a player will be sin-binned for seemingly very little. It’s a challenge to know exactly what’s going on. But one thing’s for certain: It’s a proper exciting event.
With end-to-end action, overtimes, and, again, plenty of crunching challenges, it’s a sport that anyone can follow - at least to the point where it’s enjoyable. As Team GB and Latvia battled it out in sudden death, with the former racing towards an open net as Latvia threw caution to the wind, the tension levels were off the chart - and the celebrations when GB bagged the winner were a joy to be a part of. So, why not be a part of it yourself next time they play?
You Can Support Your Local Venue
We’re blessed in Nottingham to have a big arena that attracts names from all over the world - not just in sport, but also music, comedy, and more. So, when the Motorpoint Arena secures major events like international ice hockey championships, it’s great to show up and show support - if you have the cash to hand, of course.
Seeing thousands of Latvia fans pour into bars and restaurants around the stadium, the Nottingham-wide benefits of having events such as this are clear to see, too - new faces, new people visit our quality city, putting it on the global map. That’s something to celebrate as much as a last-gasp winner, in our opinion.
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