An artist’s impression of the new state-of-the-art facility where the Canberra Brave will play 11 home games this season. Image: Canberra Brave.
In a landmark deal with the AIS Arena, the Canberra Brave will move its 2025 home games to a new temporary state-of-the-art facility at AIS Arena, transforming the venue into a professional ice hockey stadium for the first time.
For fans, this means a bigger, better, and more immersive game-day experience. For the team, it’s a stage worthy of defending their 2024 Goodall Cup Championship title.
For a decade, the Brave has played to capacity crowds at the intimate, beloved Phillip Ice Skating Centre – otherwise known as the ‘Brave Cave’. Now, with over 2700 allocated seats, improved facilities and full bowl seating — an Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) first — the move to the AIS Arena takes the Brave’s game-day experience to the next level.
Brave CEO Stephen Campbell calls it a defining moment for the club.
“The Brave is the most successful team in the ACT and in the AIHL. Moving to the AIS Arena is a natural next step, giving us the space and professionalism to match our success on and off the ice.”
With significant investment into a temporary rink — complete with professional boards and glass — the Brave’s new home promises a North American-style atmosphere, bringing more fans into the action.
The Brave consulted experts in ice reconstruction from Canada and Australia, who are currently developing the program of works. Construction will commence in the weeks leading up to the first home game on 31 May, taking 10 to 12 days to complete.
To make the most of the expanded capacity, the Brave will also introduce a Brave Tournament on game days, featuring additional matchups before each home game — similar to Adelaide’s Challenge Cup.
The new temporary state-of-the-art facility at AIS Arena is a stage worthy of the Brave as they defend their 2024 Goodall Cup Championship title. Photo: veritykg.photos (CBR Brave Facebook).
Brave Captain Kai Miettinen says the team can’t wait to bring high-speed, high-intensity ice hockey to more fans.
“The thrill of live ice hockey is like nothing else. Playing in a stadium like the AIS Arena is a dream come true, and we know Canberra fans will bring the energy,” he says.
“Canberra fans are already the most passionate in the country, and I can’t wait to hear their energy in a larger venue.”
While the new venue unlocks unprecedented growth for ice hockey in Canberra, the move is a balancing act. The Phillip Ice Skating Centre – instrumental in growing ice sports and contributing to the success of the Brave – remains vital for grassroots development, and the Brave will continue supporting the local ice sports community.
As such, existing winter sport competitions, sanctioned by Ice Hockey ACT, will continue to be played at Phillip.
“We see the iconic status of the AIS as a chance to expose as many people as possible to the game of ice hockey, many of which may otherwise have not considered ice hockey as a sport to watch,” Stephen says.
“We think that’ll lead to boom in participation at both a junior and senior level, as more people see the potential and excitement of the sport.”
The Brave start their season on the road this weekend against the Brisbane Lightning before their highly anticipated first of 11 home games at the AIS Arena on Saturday, 31 May.
For more information, visit Canberra Brave.
