£1.5m investment to keep Sheffield Arena at the top of its game

The cash will pay for a new ice plant, electrical works, dressing room refurbishment and improvements to counter terrorism measures.

Home to ice hockey team the Sheffield Steelers, the ice-plant will be installed ahead of the start of the season in August. Replacing 30-year-old equipment, it will be more environmentally-friendly and provide better quality ice for games and touring shows, like Disney on Ice.

The Arena is the UK’s seventh busiest. Some 130,000 people attended 15 events in January and there are sold-out gigs this month by The Stereophonics and The Script.

Cirque Du Soleil, Premier League Darts, Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals, Harry Styles, Gerry Cinnamon and Stormzy are already confirmed for the rest of the year.

Dominic Stokes, head of SIVLive, part of Sheffield City Trust (SCT), said: “With the support of Sheffield City Council, the investment in FlyDSA Arena will ensure it remains one of the best multi-functional spaces in the region, promoting our great city and supporting the Trust’s aim of improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Sheffield.

“The Sheffield Steelers have been a revelation this year with fantastic performances on the ice and phenomenal support and attendances from the fans.”

Steelers owner Tony Smith said they were delighted at the news.

He added: “Ice is our business and the investment in the new plant is most welcomed. The best team playing in the best Arena from next season will also be playing on the best ice, this makes the product on offer to our supporters and the Arena’s customers even more exciting.”

The venue was opened on May 30, 1991 by the Queen and has welcomed over 16 million people, bringing more than £500m to the Sheffield economy, he added.

Today’s announcement comes after Sheffield City Council bailed out SCT with £1m last year.

It also announced a £2.8m subsidy and £3m towards health and safety costs and maintenance. The Trust invests all profits back into facilities and services.