January 17th, 2019.


The Arenacross Tour opened the doors of the SSE Arena, Belfast to just shy of 200 primary schools, when it launched its Arenacross for Schools initiative yesterday.

Pupils aged between eight and 10-years-old attended an interactive day at the city’s leading venue, taking a peak behind the scenes of Arenacross and learning about the various intricacies of producing a world-class event such as Arenacross.They witnessed the hard-working production crew building, digging and sculpting the challenging indoor racing track, whilst a huge number of lorries poured the locally-sourced dirt upon the highly-prized ice; the home of the Belfast Giants.

The field trip brought into the equation how STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) works to educate young people across the UK and give insights into alternative career opportunities. The children were then treated to their very own private Freestyle MX show, courtesy of the Fix Auto Arenacross FMX crew of Dan Whitby, Samson Eaton and Arran Powley.

The Arenacross for Schools session culminated with the involvement of Northern Ireland’s very own motorcycling superstar; the four-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea. He was joined on the stage by leading World and British motocross contender Martin Barr and the reigning Irish MX2 champ Glenn McCormick, both of whom are contesting the full 2019 Arenacross Tour series. Also on stage at the inaugural Arenacross for Schools day were World MXGP and British MX Championship front-runner Graeme Irwin together with former multi-MX-champ Gordon Crockard. These guys may not be competing in Arenacross, but are both very vocal in their support of the discipline.

The final piece of the Arenacross for Schools colourful jigsaw was the inclusion of the first-ever Arenacross racing twins. Ten-year-old Robbie and Cole McCullough from Castlederg, will be going full throttle to win the Youth 65cc class in front of their friends and family. The boys were joined today by their enthusiastic and hollering classmates from Edwards Primary School in Castlederg, many of whom will be at the SSE Arena over the weekend to support their mini racing heroes.

Arenacross Tour tickets are still available, but Friday is almost at sell-out. Places are still available for Saturday night and tickets-on-the-door may be available. Arena doors will open at 6pm, with the opening ceremony getting underway at 7.30pm.

Arenacross Tour tickets are still available, but Friday is almost at sell-out. Places are still available for Saturday night and tickets-on-the-door may be available. Arena doors will open at 6pm, with the opening ceremony getting underway at 7.30pm.

Arenacross Tour dates;
18th January – The SSE Arena, Belfast
19th January – The SSE Arena, Belfast
1st February – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
2nd February – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
15th February – The Fly DSA Arena, Sheffield
16th February – The Fly DSA Arena, Sheffield

Visit www.arenacrossuk.com for 2019 Tour information.

To buy tickets; www.ssearenabelfast.com/arenacross-tour-2019

Pictured with the school children:
Back: [l-r] Graeme Irwin, Jonathan Rea, Glenn McCormick, Martin Barr
Front: [l-r] Cole and Robbie McCullough



For further information, contact Jenni Foulkes on 07771 767712 or email jenni@redcat.co.uk