Ice hockey is generally considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, with the likes of football, rugby, golf, and tennis all having relatively established support. Though it is significantly more popular in North America and Russia, the EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League) enjoyed attendances that exceeded 1.25 million during the 2024/25 season, and online viewing figures are also on the rise.
Most ice hockey arenas in the UK are multi-purpose, with the potential to transform into other types of venues as a means of generating funds during the off-season. We explore some of the largest arenas in the UK below, and dive a bit deeper into the world of UK Ice Hockey.
Ice Hockey in the UK
The Elite Ice Hockey League includes teams from all UK member countries, with the Belfast Giants representing Northern Ireland and the Cardiff Devils representing Wales. Scotland has three teams in the league: the Glasgow Clan, the Dundee Stars, and the Fife Flyers, while the remaining 5 teams come from England, including the Sheffield Stealers, who are currently at the top of the table.
Even the experts are finding it hard to choose between the Sheffield Steelers and the Nottingham Panthers, with the odds among the top UK licensed sports book operators and non Gamstop bookies tight.
The Cardiff Devils currently sit in third place on 11 points, two behind the Steelers and one behind the Panthers, while the Manchester Storm are breathing down their necks on 10 points. It is this close action that is so appealing to fans who can see the league table completely change in just a few games.
Other factors that have encouraged ice hockey in the UK include its energetic atmosphere and strong community among fan bases. The game is one of the more accessible options for families, with affordable tickets making it a better option than more established UK sports.
Online access has made it easier for fans to tune into live UK ice hockey matches and highlights, as well as being able to access some of the bigger leagues around the world, including the NHL. Social platforms have helped fanbases stay connected with teams, and the potential for growth in the UK is massive, with millions more sports fans open to the potential of an exciting Winter sport to get behind.
The Largest Capacity Ice Hockey Arenas in the UK
With ice hockey being a relatively new option for UK sports fans, the infrastructure is not yet at the level of countries where the game has been popular for years. The potential for the sport to grow in the UK is massive, and as crowds continue to rise, purpose-built arenas will become a more feasible option.
At present, multi-purpose arenas are being used as Ice Hockey venues, but there are some great options for hockey fans.
Utilita Arena, Sheffield
The Sheffield Utilita Arena is the City’s largest indoor arena with a top capacity of 13,600 for seated and standing events like music, and currently 9,300 for the Sheffield Steelers home games. The first ice hockey game the venue hosted was the 1991 Benson & Hedges Cup Final that saw the home side beat Nottingham, with more than 10,100 fans watching.
National Ice Centre, Nottingham
The Nottingham National Ice Centre dates back to the year 2000, with a 7,500 capacity for ice hockey and other sports, and up to 10,000 for concerts. When it opened, it was the UK’s only Olympic-sized facility that was designed to improve ice skating access for people in the local area.
Odyssey Arena, Belfast
The Belfast Giants play out of the Odyssey Arena, also known as the SSE Arena, with a capacity of 9,957. The venue also hosts concerts with a 14,000 standing capacity for concerts. It opened in 2000 after being jointly funded by the National Lottery Millennium Commission.
The facility also holds a bowling alley, multi-screen cinema, and dining facilities, making it a popular destination for Belfast locals.
Fife Ice Arena, Kirkcaldy
The Fife Flyers play out of the Fife Ice Arena, which originally opened in 1938 as the Kirkaldy Ice Rink. The hockey capacity for the venue is a respectable 3,525.
As well as being home to the area’s ice hockey team, the venue also hosts a variety of other ice-related endeavours, including figure skating, curling, and speed skating. As a multi-purpose venue, it has also held concerts, boxing events, and much more.
Braehead Arena, Glasgow
The Braehead Arena opened in 1999 and can hold up to 3,500 for ice hockey and other sporting events, or 5,200 for concerts. The venue has held multiple events, including Masters Football, conventions, WWE events, and Beyoncé even played there in 2004.
The venue is the current home of the Glasgow Clan in the EIHL and the Paisley Pirates, who play in the SNL, the Scottish National League.
Coventry Skydome, Coventry
The Coventry Skydome is an entertainment centre that boasts an Odeon cinema, Pure Gym, and Planet Ice, a 4,000 capacity ice rink and event space.
Dundee Ice Arena, Dundee
The Dundee Ice Arena is Scotland’s fourth largest ice rink, with a capacity of 2,400, and is the home of the Dundee Stars.
Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff
The Cardiff Devils play at the Ice Arena Wales, also known as the Vindico Arena, which has a 3,100-person capacity and opened in 2016. As well as being the home of the only Welsh team in the EIHL, it offers a variety of ice-related activities, including hosting skating lessons, figure skating training sessions, and an ice disco on Friday nights.
Conclusion
While football is overwhelmingly the most popular sport in the UK, there are a growing number of smaller sports that are popular in other countries, starting to make an impression here. The potential for ice hockey in the UK is massive, with a growing number of spectators and participants making it an exciting time for the sport.
