The ice at the East Midlands’ largest entertainment venue, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham has been painted blue to recognise the extraordinary efforts by NHS workers during the current crisis.
In a UK first, the blue ice at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham will also bear the message: Thank You NHS #ThankYouSocialCare inside a giant rainbow in the shape of a heart.
The blue Arena ice will open to the public and be available to skate on from Friday 16 October, with 1,000 free skating tickets available for NHS and social care workers to skate on the day as a special thank you.
Martin Ingham, Chief Executive at the venue said: “Sadly, the Motorpoint Arena has been out of action for over six months and we appreciate many music and event fans are missing the opportunity to have a great live experience with us.
“Since we’re unable to host events in the current climate, we thought we’d try the next best thing and open the Arena for people to enjoy a new experience of ice skating in this tremendous space, while simultaneously paying tribute to the NHS and social care workers.
“The gesture of painting the Arena ice blue upon reopening and offering free skating tickets for NHS and social care workers is our way of saying thanks for the exceptional service they have provided and continue to provide here in Nottingham and across the UK.”
Lee Chadburn, Head of Facilities at the venue said: “We are extremely proud to be able to produce this symbol of our appreciation to all those individuals who are doing amazing things to help us all through these tough times. We’re also pleased to bring some much-needed excitement to Nottinghamshire residents in these current times.”
Alongside painting the ice blue (all 1,800m2 of it!), the Facilities Team have lovingly hand painted the largest ice logo many in the industry have ever seen in the form of a rainbow heart, and it’s something that’s never been done on an ice rink.
Lee continues: “Our team of ice painters are very excited to bring this idea to life and we hope everyone who visits enjoys the experience.”
The blue ice-skating experience at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham can be pre-booked now via motorpointarenanottingham.com<
NHS and social care workers can obtain free tickets for themselves and three friends/family members for skating on Friday 16 October only by pre-booking via the Motorpoint Arena website and choosing ‘NHS/Social Care Worker’ in the drop down during the booking process. Please note ID badges must be shown upon entry to the venue.