Newcastle to host 2019 AIHL Finals

Mid-season has now come and gone, and it is time to look toward the 2019 AIHL Finals. We know many of you already are! The 2019 AIHL Finals presented by Air Canada will take place on Saturday 31 August & Sunday 1 September 2019 at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, Warner’s Bay.

The Australian Ice Hockey League Finals are the premier ice hockey event in Australia. A culmination of a 112-game season across eight teams, the top four teams will battle it out to take home the Goodall Cup.

There will be a lot of other activities happening across the weekend that fans will get access to, including a League after-party, pre-game entertainment and activities for the kids.

There will be adult and children tickets available in the following categories:

• Grandstand seating – 3 Game Pass

• General admission – Standing – 3 Game Pass

• General admission – Standing – Semi Finals

• General admission – Standing – Finals

There will be an initial release of each ticket type, but to ensure all fans get the chance to support their teams, more tickets will be released after each team has secured their spot in the Finals. Teams’ season members will be given first option at these tickets.

The Hunter Ice Skating Stadium offers an Olympic sized rink with a capacity of up to 900 hockey fans. The Newcastle Northstars also have a strong volunteer base that will assist in delivering an outstanding gameday experience for fans, families, corporates and media.

There are many factors that are considered before Team Governors and the AIHL Commission confirm which venue will host the Finals, including:

• The current standings in the 2019 AIHL Ladder

• The venue’s availability and willingness to host the event

• The cost involved in hiring a venue and various terms that venue’s impose in order to host the event

• The size and specifications of the rink

• The AV and production capabilities of the venue

• The cost of travel incurred by teams to participate in the Finals

• The ability to play all games in the Finals in front of a sell-out crowd

We know you may have some questions, hopefully they are answered below.

But there is less seating…

In 2018, there were empty seats, and with only one Melbourne based team in the Finals that year – the tickets did not sell quickly. Our teams endure a gruelling season, they deserve to play their Finals in front of a full-house. There will be an initial release of tickets on sale now; however, there will be other ticket releases as each team is confirmed in the top four teams as the Season progresses. It is our aim to have all teams represented by their fanbase on the day; we will work with teams to also issue ticket releases to their season members.

What about a bar?

A temporary license will be applied for; all efforts will be made to ensure our spectators have a great time and get to watch stand-out hockey with friends and family.

There will be plenty to eat and drink, a premium fan experience will be delivered.

But it’s always in Melbourne…

While the Finals have been most recently hosted in Melbourne, the AIHL is a national League and various rinks have hosted the AIHL Finals in the past; including the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2012. With development applications in place for new rinks around the country, we hope that in the future, all our teams will have the opportunity to see the Finals come to their cities.

What if we can’t make it to Newcastle?

Teams will be able to organise their own ‘Watch Parties’ to catch the live-stream of the event; your teams will release more information about these closer to the event.