Thursday 14 April 2016 12:39, UK
Carlisle have made another significant step is getting Brunton Park fully functioning again following the devastating December floods.
The League 2 outfit have re-opened their refurbished Family Zone, with the work carried out and funded thanks to a donation from the Football League title sponsor Sky Bet.
Brunton Park was left under 10 feet of water when Storm Desmond hit the region in December 2015 but is now expected to be back in full working order by the start of next season.
Parts of the ground, such as the dugout, the pitch, the tunnel and the concourses were considered essential and covered by the first round of insurance payments, but others, such as the Family Zone - which only opened last September - were left with an uncertain future.
The area, situated in the Pioneer Foods Stand, provided a fantastic area where families could relax and enjoy pre-match activities in a safe and secure environment.
Sky Bet took up the job of refurbishing the area in March and have kitted it out with Xboxes, a Nintendo Wii, a penalty shootout area, a pool table, a table football table and a new and improved sensory area for Carlisle's disabled fans.
Carlisle United Finance Director Suzanne Kidd, who was instrumental in first bringing the Family Zone to Brunton Park, said: "We were all really proud of the Family Zone project when we got it up and running at the start of the season and it was extremely well received by supporters of all ages.
"We were obviously devastated when we saw the damage caused by the floods and we cannot thank Sky Bet enough for what they have done in restoring this important match day community facility.
"It's a huge step towards bringing the club back to normality and it will help to put smiles back on faces after what has been a very tough period for everybody."
Sky Bet Head of Sponsorship Edwin Martin said: "Given the Family Zone's popularity before the flood's struck, we felt it was only right that we stepped in and offered a helping hand.
"We're delighted to have played a part in bringing this back to life and we hope it brings enjoyment to fans for many years to come."
