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It is emerging that Planet Ice have booted the Storm out of the garden shed amidst rumours that the Storm are planning to return to the M.E.N Arena, now known as the AO Arena.

It will depend on what the financial deal is of course, Arena's are not cheap, but if the layout is still the same there is the chance that once again there could be 17k+ attendances at ice hockey games in Manchester.

I'm happy for them, a city that size with its sporting heritage should not have it's ice hockey team playing out of a wooden shed, it's good for the sport as well.

I hope they can achieve it in time, a massive task but one they needed to undertake.

I hope they get to play out of the old M.E.N arena.

I must admit, I didn’t realise that arena still had an ice plant?

It was just before my time of watching UK hockey of the 17k + attendance.

If marketed right, with some improved funding, I could see that again, especially if we take 6k+ which we are more than capable of.

Would also like the playoffs to be hosted there. Make the tickets cheaper and get a bigger attendance.

Posted by 4000andcounting on facebook

"Statement: Manchester Storm
Following careful consideration, Altrincham Ice Rink will not be issuing a licence for Manchester Storm to continue their operation at the venue for the 2026/27 season.
For several months, there have been persistent rumours regarding a potential move by Manchester Storm to the AO Arena Manchester. The club’s initial communication to us confirmed that they intended to remain in Altrincham until the new arena is ready at TraffordCity which would become their new home. However, the frequency and credibility of these rumours have since increased, with venue operators, players, and staff informing us that discussions between Manchester Storm and the AO Arena have taken place and that plans for a move were being agreed.
In response to this, Heath Rhodes, the rinks Chief Operations Officer, issued a further email on Tuesday April 21st requesting clear confirmation of the club’s intentions for the 2026/27 season. This request sought a simple and direct answer. No reply was received until today at 16:47, and even then, the club did not indicate what their intentions are regarding a potential relocation from the Altrincham rink.
Throughout our correspondence, the rink has been clear that we fully support Manchester Storm in pursuing opportunities that allow them to build on their success. Should they wish to relocate, we would do what we can to support a smooth and professional transition. However, it is both reasonable and necessary that we receive sufficient notice of any such decision.
Unlike other teams in the league, Manchester Storm have not released season tickets for the upcoming season. This has placed rink staff in a difficult position, facing questions from supporters that they are unable to answer. We do not believe this is fair to either supporters or staff.
As a result of the continued lack of communication and clarity, the rink has been placed in a position where we must determine our next steps to safeguard the future and will now pursue other opportunities."

So does this mean the new arena at Trafford Park is not happening, or they are moving to the AO until it is ready?

Looking from the outside in, on the one hand, it would seem a strange move, to move out of a huge arena and into one that whilst brand new, is expected to hold a similar size crowd as Cardiff's, but on the other hand, I imagine the costs involved in a tenancy at the AO would be sizeable and if they couldn't scale crowds up to match, it would seem a costly venture.

But what if they do scale crowds up, even by only a few thousand and then move to the new place? - surely that would mean they suddenly couldnt fit all their new fans into the new place?

confused.com

I'm sure I had read somewhere that the ice plant at the Manc arena was ripped out to save money not long after the original Storm left that building. Maybe they have put one in again, or there's some means to put in a temporary one? A quick google shoes they've hosted various something-on-ice events (eg Disney etc) periodically so must have some means of making ice.

Honestly the Altrincham rink is a dump, could be the best thing to happen to the Storm assuming they can find somewhere else. Literally a barn with a big sheet of wet lino down on the floor would be an improvement. If they can get back in the big arena it could be huge for the club and for the league if they can make it work financially. I'm sure if lowly old Sheffield can fill a 9000+ venue most weeks then a city the size of Manchester should be able to rustle up 10-15k each week no bother.

The MEN was too big a capacity, their planned one is too small!

They could always temporarily use Blackburn if that was possible, its not a bad rink Blackburn, even the Steelers used it a few times.

Oops it also belongs to Planet Ice, never mind, pity it has 3,200 capacity it would have been good if they could do a deal with Blackburn Hawks.

AO has been hit a bit due to Co-op Live opening. This could be interesting for both parties - AO get a regular tennant short term at least, but Storm could potentially sell extra tickets and increase attendance. When the Trafford rink is finished, they can see where they are.

Hope they pull it off, I assume it would take time to build the attendance numbers but it would be great if they could fill it. First time round was a great advert for the sport and its growth.

I great opportunity to re-grow the Storm fan base if the ticket prices and marketing is done correctly. Storm fans when at their peak always had the best songs for me from the fan base

Could also go bust again if the M.E.N arena or whatever they’re called rip them off.