WATCH: See the world’s FIRST drone racing arena – opening in Nottingham

Video: We took a look around the world’s first drone racing arena  

The world’s first permanent indoor drone racing arena will open in Nottingham on Saturday (March 11).

The UKDS Racing Arena, which is based next to Notts County’s Meadow Lane stadium, is the first permanent indoor FPV race circuit in Europe and can hold a capacity of 500 people.

Around 300 racing enthusiasts are expected to turn up for the launch which kicks off at 10am.

The 25,000 square-foot space features a full-size, neon-lit iSeries Race Circuit complete with spectators’ balcony and areas for professionals, beginners and children to practise.

Visitors can bring their own drones or purchase equipment from the retail store on-site.

The arena features a full-size, neon-lit iSeries Race Circuit complete with spectators balcony and areas for professionals, beginners and children to practise.

Professional racer Philip Trifunovic, 27, has been racing for over one year and regularly competes in events.

He said: “Drone racing has captured a lot of hearts – mine included.

“There is nothing like the feeling you get when you are flying – it’s hard to describe it to anyone without experiencing it yourself.

“I always wanted to be a jet fighter pilot when I was a kid and this is the nearest, safest way to do that.

“Hopefully the arena will be a stage for lots of racing and learning to occur, and just for people to get together and share the passion – it’s going to be quite busy here I imagine.”

Professional racer Philip Trifunovic is a trained doctor but has recently began racing professionally full-time.

Each drone has a different skill-setting depending on ability, but advanced racers can control drones flying between 70 and 100 MPH.

The drones feature a small camera, which provides an instant live feed enabling the racer to view the circuit through special computerised goggles.

HD screens are installed around the arena so that spectators can also enjoy the experience.

Currently the circuit is based on the 1/4 kilometer iSeries format – but the layout will be reconfigured every month to keep pilots on their toes.

Alongside the main track are several other circuits where beginners can receive one-to-one training from expert staff.

Regular workshops will also be held to teach racers how to customise and repair their drones.

Each drone has a different skill-setting depending on ability, but advanced racers can control drones flying between 70 and 100 MPH.

Philip is a trained doctor but has recently began racing professionally full-time.

He said: “The one thing that swayed me was the community – it has really grown in the last year.

“I used to fly out and about on my own, but when I saw that there is a big group of people that love doing this – and I can share that passion with them – that’s what really captured me and why it is growing so fast.

“It’s no longer just individuals flying around single trees – its big groups of people, big ideas, big ambitions and a lot of fun.”

Next weekend the arena will host the first iSeries qualifier, which will open the 2017 drone racing season and be attended by the current world champion.

Managing director Sam Shaw also owns online business, Drone Store UK, which is currently within the top five drone retailers in the UK.

Managing director Sam Shaw thought of the idea for the arena after seeing a gap in the market for a permanent racing space.

He already owns online business, Drone Store UK, which is currently within the top five drone retailers in the UK.

He said: “The idea came about six months ago and we have been building and preparing the arena for 21 days straight.

“There are companies that do one-off events, but this is the world’s first permanent racing arena.

“It provides a safe space for professionals and intermediates, as well as beginners and those who want to practise and progress.

“We’re really excited about tomorrow and are expecting at least 250 people.”

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