So, in the last blog I outlined the basic specifications I would lay down for the ‘perfect’ new rink to house the Phoenix. I say ‘perfect’, but that really isn’t the right word. ‘Perfect’ implies that the rink would be ideal for all users, with nothing that could cause issue. I am not so naïve as to believe that this would ever be the case. Indeed, some of the feedback my specification has received has shown this indeed to be the case.
The biggest problem most seem to have is with my preference for a ‘horseshoe’ arrangement to the seating, as opposed to a ‘full circle’ arrangement. I do have my reasons for this, and to my mind they make sense. Given the size of the main ice pad I specified in terms of spectator numbers (3,000 fixed seats) I would expect to use the rink as a multi-purpose venue. Having a ‘open’ end to the seating allows the space to be configured so that a removable end stage, which could be used for concerts, presentations, conventions etc, without having to reduce the number of available seats, and maximises the number of persons allowed on the ‘floor’ (somewhere in the region of an extra 1,500-2,000 or so, allowing for a capacity of 4,500-5,000). For me, given the significant costs involved in building such a large scale venue (twin ice pads, and the attendant facilities), which I would estimate to be in the region of £30m, the ability to utilise the main pad for more than just ice sports is an absolute must, otherwise there would be precious little chance of recouping the initial investment.
I also feel that having 2 pads is a must. With 2 pads available, the amount of ice time that can be used by various groups naturally increases. Senior hockey, Juniors, Sledge, Womens, Rec Hockey, figure skating, speed skating, even curling would all have significantly more ice time available to them, even if the main pad was used for other events on occasion.
Sight lines would remain an issue, as with the best will in the world, no rink will ever have ‘perfect’ views of the ice from every seat. However, placing walkways to the rear of the seating, and using more elegant barriers would hopefully minimise the number of seats that could be described as ‘restricted view’. The proposed A/V system would also help minimise these issues.
That is my idea of ‘perfect’. A functional, well specified, and (hopefully) profitable venue.