Altrincham Ice Dome - Building Description

Building Description

The building contains an ice pad measuring 57m by 26m, constructed on a sand base with an ice thickness of 1.5 inches which is fully enclosed by plexiglass and wood barriers (also known as 'dasher boards'). The building uses a horseshoe arrangement for the seating contained within. This seating is raised up above the ice level, creating an ice level concourse. Disabled seating is provided on a raised platform at ice level, in the open end of the horseshoe. At both ends of the ice pad, netting is hung from the ceiling to the plexiglass, as per IIHF safety regulations to prevent injury to crowd members from stray pucks hit out of the ice. At the top of Block 7 is a partially enclosed hospitality area built for use by the sponsors of the resident ice hockey team. A bar area is also being added to the rear of Block 15.

All of the buildings other facilities (toilets, concession stands, skate hire, storage lockers, public bar, changing rooms, etc.) are arranged around the concourse at ice level, on the outer wall of the building. The rink shop is located at the front of the building, adjacent to the box office.