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Manchester Storm to come home after 24 years
TL;DR
Manchester Storm will return to their original home at AO Arena after 24 years, moving from Planet Ice in Altrincham. The team reached the play-off finals in April for the first time since their founding in 1995.
Key points
- Manchester Storm returns to AO Arena after 24 years
- Moved from Planet Ice in Altrincham
- Reached play-off finals for the first time in 24 years
- Founded in 1995 and inaugural champions in 1996
- Set British ice hockey attendance record with 17,245 fans
Mentioned in this story
AO ArenaPlanet Ice
Manchester StormIce Hockey Superleague
The team reached the play-off finals in April for the first time in 24 years [James Assinder]
Ice hockey team Manchester Storm is set to return home to its original stadium after 24 years.
The team will play next season in the city's AO Arena after leaving their current home ground at Planet Ice in Altrincham.
Founded back in 1995, the team played in the then newly opened Manchester Arena as a tenant and became inaugural champions of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996. They also set a British ice hockey attendance record when 17,245 fans watched their game against Sheffield Steelers the following season, which still stands.
The club left the arena in 2002 but said it was returning to take advantage of a growth in ice hockey's popularity to get more fans to the 23,000-capacity venue.
Emma and Ryan Finnerty, representing the team's ownership group, said: "It's about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience."
They added: "This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club.
"Manchester Storm is coming home."
The arena's general manager, Gemma Vaughan, said staff were "proud" to have Storm back in the "UK's largest indoor sporting arena".
She added: "This homecoming will bring new energy to the city centre, driving footfall for local bars, restaurants, and hotels while creating more opportunities for fans to engage with the sport.
"It's a major step forward for ice hockey's growth in the UK and a brilliant moment for Manchester's already thriving sporting community."
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Q&A
When did Manchester Storm last play at their original stadium?
Manchester Storm last played at their original stadium, the Manchester Arena, 24 years ago before moving back for the upcoming season.
What achievements did Manchester Storm have during their time at the Manchester Arena?
During their time at the Manchester Arena, Manchester Storm became the inaugural champions of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996 and set a British ice hockey attendance record with 17,245 fans.
Why is Manchester Storm's return to AO Arena significant?
The return to AO Arena is significant as it marks a reunion with their historical roots and follows their first play-off finals appearance in 24 years.
