Murrayfield Ice Rink comes out of cold storage

Murrayfield Ice Rink re-opens on Friday (August 3) after a major summer refit.

The outside and inside of the famous arena, which has showcased The Harlem Globetrotters and Britain’s Olympic ice dance gold medallists, Torvill and Dean, has been re-painted and the foyer re-designed.

The ice has been re-laid and logos for the re-formed Murrayfield Racers are being put down at the stadium (capacity over 3,500) which welcomes over 250,000 people a year.

Richard Stirling, the rink’s managing director, said the arena, in the shadow of BT Murrayfield rugby stadium, had been shut since May 29.

He added: “It’s been a major job and our investment in the rink over the past few years has been substantial.

“We’ve done work on the roof, inside and outside, and all the work is to improve the experience of people coming to use the facility.”

And Stirling is looking forward to working with the new directors of Murrayfield Racers.

A fans forum is planned for Sunday, August 5 (4.30pm) in the Riversdale Suite at Murrayfield.

A volunteer night is scheduled from 6.30pm on Tuesday, August 7, and trials for the new team are set for 8pm on the same evening.

Stirling said: “The new organisation are approaching things in a professional manner and we are excited by the prospect.

“The new team will rely on local players and that can only be positive for the future.

“Remember, when Murrayfield Racers were in their heyday the squad was packed with home-bred players like Jock Hay, Stevie
Hunter, Paul Pentland and Paul and Tony Hand, to name a few.

“Their relatives all came to support the guys on the ice and we hope that happens again this season when we hope to see exciting ice hockey.”

The rink re-opens at 2pm on Friday with an extended session until 5pm. The normal session is from 2pm to 4pm.

After Friday, the programme reverts to normal and clients are advised to consult the rink’s website.

There will be alterations during the Edinburgh Festival as a French group called Le Patin Libra have Fringe shows booked.

It is the third time the group have come to the rink and Stirling advised clients to check the website for details.