Last night Skonto Arena's ice has been deemed unsatisfactory by experts last night, that way forcing the transfer of a number of the World U18 Ice Hockey Championship to the new "Volvo" Ice Arena in the Imanta suburb. According to SIA Stadions Chairman of the Board Guntars Indriksons, the ice was too congealed, that's why the problem appeared. "Now the temperature is raised, ice quality is improved and there is no more need for any reconstructions," said Indriksons in an interview to Latvian TV company LNT.
Both "Skonto" and "Arena Riga" are the venues for the World Ice Hockey Championship, which gets under way May 5. On March 31 there had been concerns that the revamped Skonto Hall would be unsuitable for the U18 championship due to safety standards.
But the State Fire and Rescue Service had given its approval for use with the stipulation that attendance is no greater than 500. Indriksons also promised that the arena will meet all safety standards and other requirements before the championship in May.
