While the summer sun still graces Yorkshire, there's a chill in the air as temperatures at Utilita Arena Sheffield as the city gears up for the much-anticipated return of the Sheffield Steelers to the ice. The stage is set for the 32nd season of professional ice hockey, promising months of thrilling action, heart-pounding matches, and unforgettable moments in ‘The House of Steel’.

For the next eight months, the ice becomes the epicentre of excitement for both the Arena and the Steelers, with an average of 6,000 passionate fans filling the stands at every home fixture. The months from September to April will resonate with the cheers, chants, and roars of supporters in the world’s fastest indoor sport.

Before the new season begins, fans can attend the Sheffield Steelers Shirt Launch on Friday, 15 September 2023 for a chance to meet the Steelers squad, pick up a replica shirt, and enjoy some live entertainment with Sheffield’s own up and coming band, The Rosadocs, at Utilita Arena Sheffield.

The transition from a bare arena floor to a glimmering ice rink is no small feat. The process kicks off with the installation of 180 square meters of ice, a meticulous endeavour that spans two days. The transformation continues over the next 2-3 days as layers of white paint are applied in three coats, creating a pristine canvas for the games ahead.

A delicate "umbrella" spray of water, akin to a fine rain, seals the ice, followed by subsequent layers that bring it ever closer to perfection. These layers not only ensure the ice's resilience but also provide the canvas for the intricate markings that define the sport. The lines of the ice hockey rink are meticulously drawn and painted; each step aimed at achieving the highest standards of play.

Dom Stokes, Director of Live Events & Venues said:

“We should never be wishing the days away, but the ice hockey season is so so close, and we really cannot wait to transform ourselves back into the House of Steel.

“It only feels 5 mins ago we were taking the ice out! We have had some incredible shows such as Pulp, Peter Kay, Jack Whitehall, and of course the filming of the brand-new series of BBC’s Gladiators, the time has simply flown by.

“On the ice, it looks like Coach Fox has put together another exciting team for this upcoming season and we will be ready and waiting to welcome our fans for that first look at the team on Saturday 9th September.”

The excitement is further ramped up by the announcement of the Sheffield Steelers iconic Shirt Launch. This eagerly anticipated event is scheduled for Friday, 15 September 2023, serving as a vibrant prelude to the exhibition game against the Cardiff Devils. Fans can expect a captivating showcase of the team's new attire, setting the stage for the new season.

The puck will drop on the 2023/24 season in grand fashion as the Sheffield Steelers face off against Coventry Blaze on Saturday, 23 September 2023, at 19:00. It's a moment that fans have been eagerly awaiting!