Away Guide: Skydome Arena, Coventry – What to Know Before You Go

The Skydome in Coventry is one of those rinks most UK hockey families will get to know sooner or later. It’s busy, it’s loud, and it doesn’t always run quite the way you expect — but once you’ve been a couple of times, you realise it’s actually one of the easier away days to navigate. If this is your first away trip, check out our away game guide first. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting the Skydome for a UK ice hockey game

PARKING REALITY

The Skydome is actually one of the easiest rinks for parking — if you know where to go.

• There is a very large multi-story directly behind the rink, operated by APCOA.
• Download the APCOA app and set up your payment card before you arrive. This is a pay on exit car park and it’s so much easier to do on your phone as you head to your car than join a big queue. 
• BONUS TIP – if you’re spending a lot of time here in one week go online for the £10 weekly ticket. It’s an absolute bargain!
• This car park is TALL. Do not be the wally who creates a massive queue trying to squeeze into a really rubbish spot just because it’s on the ground floor. Keep going up. I promise, there will be good spaces if you keep the faith.
• There are lifts at the cinema end – use these and those wheeled kit bags will thank you. 
• There are plenty of other car parks around the city centre if you really need them, but you’re looking at anything from a five to ten minute walk. 

INSIDE THE RINK

Here’s what you need to know about being inside…

• It’s cold. (As it should be. We’re here for ice sports… dress appropriately and embrace it folks!)
• There is a lot of seating and views are generally good wherever you go. Do be aware that for junior games, unless there’s maintenance that makes it impossible or it’s under 10s cross ice games, you WILL be asked to sit in blocks 2,3, and 4. This is to keep spectators away from the players’ benches – no need for crowds to be shouting at kids, right?
• For the most part, dressing rooms are plentiful so plenty of room for kit and bags to go straight in with the kids. The managers will know where to go.
• Toilet reality check – not the worst but definitely not the best. For preference, aim for the ones accessed via Crosby’s – these are usually your best bet.
• It’s worth checking if there’s another game on afterwards. If the NIHL Blaze are playing straight after you’ll need to leave via the Fire Exit by the Meal Hut, NOT the main entrance/exit.

Once you know these quirks, it’s actually a very easy rink to navigate.

COFFEE & FOOD

On paper there’s a reasonable offering, but your experience will depend on how well staffed the arena is while you’re there. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the possibilities:

• There are a few kiosk style outlets, plenty of vending machines and a sports bar – Crosby’s – on site. During a full event you’ll typically find:
  • crisps
  • sweets
  • drinks
  • chicken and chips style meals
  • hot dogs
  • fancy doughnuts
  • Chicago Town Pizza. 

Not the healthiest of ranges but will keep kids happy for the most part.

• Veggie/vegan options are limited but not impossible.
• For full events, there will be queues and long wait times. Embrace it and order early. 
• For smaller events – kids games, looking at you – there will be minimal staffing, and a smaller range of food options. For these games though, you can take your own food in.
• If you’re lucky there may be a bake sale on the go – take change.
• If you have the time, there are plenty of other options in Coventry. Belgrade Plaza is a five minute walk from the rink and hosts Bella Italia, Wing Kingz and Pizza Express; or head through the precinct and towards Cathedral Lanes for a good range of chain and independent options. All very walkable.

WHAT FIRST-TIMERS DON’T EXPECT

The Skydome can be a busy rink at times — and if you’re not expecting it, it can feel a bit overwhelming on your first visit. Here’s how to get the best from it:

• It can get busy rinkside while you’re waiting — especially in the winter months. If you need a breather, Crosby’s is usually your best bet
• If you decide to jump on a public skate session while you wait, just be aware — it’s very much a ‘hockey kids keep your heads down while figure skaters do their thing’ kind of rink. Manage expectations accordingly. Sucks, I know.
• Having access to soap in the loos is a bit of a roulette game – a pack of travel soap sheets can be a lifesaver.
• It’s cold. I know I’ve said it already, but it’s worth repeating — dress for it and you’ll be fine.
• Plenty of parents can and usually do stand at the plexi for games.
• The stairs between the seating blocks can be a bit slippy — take it steady.
• The Ring Road! The Skydome sits just inside it between junctions 6 and 7 so you can’t avoid it – just keep your wits about you and you’ll be fine. You may even grow to love that crazy traffic system!

OUR HONEST TAKE

Look – it’s a Planet Ice rink so upkeep is never going to be the best. It’s not the calmest or quietest rink you’ll visit either, but it’s pretty well set up, easy to get around, and once you know how it works, it’s a very manageable away day. For all that it’s rough around the edges, it has its charm – atmospherically chilly; accommodating and spacious for spectators; and ultimately home to an EIHL team so equipped with everything it needs. 

FINAL TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

• Set up the parking app before you arrive
• Don’t sleep on Coventry as a city to explore
• Bring gloves, a hat and a scarf — you will need them