Marshall Arena
{{Short description|Multi-purpose indoor arena in Milton Keynes, England}}
{{Distinguish|Planet Ice Arena Milton Keynes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox venue
| name = Marshall Arena
| logo_image =
| image = Marshall Arena Milton Keynes 6 July 2020 (cropped).jpg
| image_size = 250px
| caption =
| former names = Arena MK (2014–2018)
Milton Keynes Arena
| address = Stadium Way West
Milton Keynes
MK1 1ST
England
| coordinates = {{coord|52|00|30|N|00|43|58|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| owner =
| operator =
| opened = 5 February 2014
| renovated =
| reopened =
| cost =
| architect = Populous (then HOK Sport)
| main_contractors =
| project_manager =
| structural engineer =
| tenants =
| website = {{URL|https://www.stadiummk.com/about/marshall-arena/|stadiummk.com}}
|}}
The Marshall Arena (formerly known as Arena MK, also Milton Keynes Arena) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, located beside Stadium MK. The {{convert|3420|sqm|sqft}} multi-use event space is positioned over three floors and anticipates music and sporting events, conferences, exhibitions and parties.{{cite web|url=http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/arena-stadiummk-opens-its-doors-1362921.aspx|title=arena: stadiummk opens its doors|author=Fiona O'Hara|work=Milton Keynes Dons Football Club}}
History
The arena was to be the home of the Milton Keynes Lions professional basketball team. However, the retail developments that would have provided enabling funding were deferred due to lack of financing, leaving the Lions without a home.[http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/Winkelman-can39t-guarantee-arena.4735321.jp Winkelman can't guarantee arena!] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108054055/http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/Winkelman-can39t-guarantee-arena.4735321.jp |date=8 January 2009 }} – MK Citizen 26 November 2008 Following the conclusion of the 2011–12 season, the Lions could not secure a venue within Milton Keynes, resulting in a move south to the Copper Box.{{cite web | url=http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/other-sport/revealed-lions-to-leave-milton-keynes-for-olympic-park-in-london-1-4140859 | title=Lions to leave Milton Keynes | publisher=MK Citizen | date=9 August 2012}}
It officially opened on 8 February 2014 when it hosted the 2014 English National Badminton Championships.
=Name=
In September 2018, Marshall Amplification announced an agreement with Arena MK to use the space for music events, rebranding it the "Marshall Arena".[https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/welcome-to-the-marshall-arena-in-milton-keynes-1-8651333 Welcome to the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes], Milton Keynes Citizen, 29 September 2018
Regular tournaments
=Darts=
The Arena has hosted the Professional Darts Corporation's Masters tournament since 2015.{{cn|date=October 2020}}
=Snooker=
Marshall Arena was chosen as the venue for the 2020 Championship League snooker tournament taking place in June 2020 because of the convenience of its on-site facilities. During the UK's coronavirus lockdown, it was important that the event was able take place behind closed doors with no need for players and officials to leave the venue for the duration of their involvement once they have arrived.{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2020-05-22/televised-live-sport-to-resume-in-june-with-snooker-tournament-in-milton-keynes/ | title=Televised live sport to resume in June with snooker tournament in Milton Keynes |date=22 May 2020 |website=ITV News |access-date=26 May 2020}} For similar reasons, the Arena hosted the first 13 tournaments of the 2020–21 snooker season{{cite web |title=World Snooker: Milton Keynes to host first eight events of 2020-21 season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/53945869 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=28 August 2020 |date=28 August 2020}} as well as the qualifiers for the 2021 German Masters.
As a direct result of the venues’ ability to keep the snooker tour running during a pandemic, it was selected to be the venue of the 2021 English Open and also became the backup venue for the 2022 European Masters. The 2022 British Open would also be selected as the venue for the event.{{cn|date=April 2022}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.stadiummk.com/about/marshall-arena/ Official website]
{{Indoor arenas UK}}
Category:Indoor arenas in England
Category:Basketball venues in England
Category:Buildings and structures in Milton Keynes
Category:Sport in Milton Keynes
Category:London Lions (basketball)
Category:Sports venues completed in 2014