Derby Arena opens for business: In pictures

Photographs from the opening night of Derby Arena, attended by Dame Sarah Storey and Dani King

Derby Arena velodrome
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Nigel Wynn
By Nigel Wynn, Andy Jones
published

The brand new Derby Arena and velodrome was officially opened in a ceremony on Thursday evening to a crowd of 1500 spectators.

Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey and Derby MP Margaret Beckett unveiled a plaque commemorating the official opening of the £28-million facility.

The velodrome is a central part of the project, and the opening night saw several showcase cycling events take place including Storey and Olympic team pursuit champion Dani King.

The Arena will be holding an open weekend on Saturday March 28 and Sunday March 29, which will include track racing and feature King's Olympic team pursuit team-mate Joanna Rowsell. Members of the public are invited to try out the track for themselves. More details are available via the Derby Arena website.

Derby Arena

Derby Arena has a distinctive look, with 'eyes' and a mouth
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

Derby

The arena has been dubbed the 'Golden Dome' by locals
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

Derby Arena

The track centre includes multi-use courts
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

Derby Arena

Riders take part in a scratch race
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

Band plays on opening night of Derby Arena

Band plays on opening night of Derby Arena
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

No cleats on steps

Riders are requested not to wear cleated shoes on the steps from the track centre to the track itself
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

Dani King

Dani King in action
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

Keirin

Keirin racing in the Derby Arena
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

Sarah Storey raced as well as officially opening the venue

Sarah Storey raced as well as officially opening the venue
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

Sarah Storey and Margaret Beckett perform the official opening of Derby Arena

Sarah Storey and Margaret Beckett MP perform the official opening of Derby Arena
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

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Nigel Wynn
Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed. 

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