For everyone in the events industry, 2021 was a challenging year, with several events postponed or taking place behind closed doors. Stadium MK saw some light at the end of the tunnel as it reopened its doors to events and spectators alike.
In May, Stadium MK welcomed 16 strongman athletes to compete in the 2021 UK’s Strongest Man, the world’s toughest strongman event. 12,000 fans saw amazing feats of strength including an 8,500kg truck push, the Viking press, and the Atlas Stones. Once the lorries and heavyweights left the turf the MK Dons football team returned to the pitch, in front of fans for the first time in almost two years. The return of supporters to Stadium MK has seen an upturn in form for The Dons who are chasing promotion from Sky Bet League One this season.
In September, international football graced the Stadium MK pitch with England U21s welcoming Kosovo Under 21s in a European Championship Qualifier. England kicked off their qualifying campaign with a win at Stadium MK in front of fans, who came to watch the future of English football.
Following a number of ‘behind closed doors’ events, the Marshall Arena was delighted to welcome back visitors. The English Open Snooker saw fans watch Neil Robertson crowned champion in what was a sellout weekend of snooker.
The Arena has also welcomed the return of exhibitions and shows with a variety of exhibitors utilising the 2,500 square metres to hold successful events, including the annual MK Dons Family Fun Day. The event saw a record number of attendees engaging with local businesses through activities
and giveaways.
Kicking things off this month, the Marshall Arena will welcome the return of PDC Masters, this time with fans in attendance across three days of dramatic darts, followed by British band Soul II Soul returning for a gig on March 11.
The music continues with Stadium MK welcoming My Chemical Romance to transform the pitch to a rock stage for three nights from May 19 to 22. General release tickets are sold out, but it is still possible to watch the chart topping band in style with Stadium MK’s hospitality packages. A month later, on the June 18, Stadium MK will welcome rock band, Imagine Dragons for their only UK tour date on their Mercury World Tour. Tickets are still available, as are hospitality packages in the Sky Boxes with a three-course meal beforehand.
In June, the Stadium MK grass not only transforms to a stage set for rock music but a battlefield for three days of the toughest competition with the return of UK’s Strongest Man. Taking place from June 3 to 5, the strongest men in the country will compete on the Stadium MK pitch.
In July, the pitch returns to ‘normality’, welcoming football back. Milton Keynes will be front and centre of the biggest women’s European sport event in history after being hand-picked as one of nine host cities for the hotly anticipated UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. Four matches will take place at Stadium MK, including a semi-final fixture. Three group stage matches will take place at Stadium MK, with seven-time winners Germany taking on Finland, Spain and 2017 finalists Denmark in Group B. The ticket ballot is closed, but will reopen in February, keep an eye on the Stadium MK website for updates.
2021 was an incredible, but difficult year which saw the return of many events to Stadium MK’s spaces. 2022 is set to continue that trend with even bigger events planned for the upcoming year. It’s certainly not a year to be missed.
To purchase tickets to any of the events above or to check out the latest what’s on guide, visit stadiummk.com or call 01908 622933
