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A new rollercoaster ride hits Blackpool

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The Big Dipper, The Grand National and the thrilling ride formerly known as “The Pepsi Max Big One”. All major attractions in the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool which will soon be complemented by more high speed thrills - Ice Hockey, the world’s fastest and most entertaining team sport.

The Manchester Phoenix will play home games from the Fylde Coast Ice Arena for the opening weeks of the 16/17 season, while work on the Manchester Ice Dome is completed. It is anticipated that between 8 and 12 matches will be played here. Face off time will be 1630hrs, enabling fans to get back home at a reasonable hour.

Following a number of offers of available ice, it was decided that the only route forward, which would not jeopardise the long term future of the Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey Club or the building of the Manchester Ice Dome, was to play out of Fylde.

As the arena has limited facilities, with a capacity of 500 and standing room only, the Phoenix will be teaming up with a well-known bar in the centre of Manchester and the UK’s leading online video platform for sport to live stream games to fans. Phoenix are currently negotiating deals such as discounted food and drink for fans attending. Entrance will be free to season ticket holders. There will be competitions and raffles and the games will be broadcast live, in full, with an interview with coach Hand prior to and after games. There will also be player interviews during period breaks and a comprehensive wrap-up with our media crew, post match.

The aim is to make game night as special as it always has been for those unable to make it to Fylde and ensure the feel of a Manchester Phoenix Match night is not lost.

Coach Tony Hand said:

“It is a good choice, the ice is excellent and looking at things from a team perspective it ticks the boxes as far as changing rooms etc. We are taking another step forward and it really won’t be long till we are playing out of our own home in Manchester.”

Managing Director Neil Morris said:

“I am focused on two elements of the Phoenix world at the moment. Firstly the plan for our brand new Arena in Manchester to ensure the long term future of Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey club and the building of our temporary home which will enable us to continue until such times as the new facility is built. Fylde have been good to us and this allows us to compete in this year’s EPL.

“Progress on the construction of the Manchester Ice Dome is going well, and it is expected that building will start in earnest in the next couple of weeks. It is hoped that the opening game at the Manchester Ice Dome will be the scheduled fixture against the Milton Keynes Lightning on November 13th.”