One of the noisiest sporting events of the year gets underway at the SSE Arena in Belfast this weekend when Arenacross kicks off its 2019 season of touring motocross racing and Freestyle MX.

Setting up for such an event where the venue has to cover up the Ice Rink used by the Belfast Giants last weekend and cover it with thousands of tonnes of specially created dirt is a heck of a turnaround and today in Belfast it will also be the basis for one of the more exciting school field trips there could be.

Arenacross for Schools will see just shy of 200 Primary 6 pupils attend an interactive field-day at The SSE Arena and adjoining W5 Science and Discovery Centre.

The programme is a joint venture between Arenacross, W5, the STEM Ambassadors involved in the construction project from ARUP, Graham Farrans JV and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

The purpose of the day is to take children safely through the stages of the creation of a world-class event such as Arenacross.

Today is the day for the dirt to arrive and the kids will be there to see it laid down and then meticulously planned and shaped, to optimise the space and orientation of the arena floor. The aim is to deliver the most technically-challenging race circuit imaginable in the shortest amount of time, and the smallest amount of space.

As such, it provides a very engaging platform from which to highlight to young people just how STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – can be applied.

This event will introduce children to construction, engineering and technology and showcase the breadth of different careers and pathways to employability available through an innovative and engaging day of activities.

Four primary schools – Duneane PS and St Oliver Plunkett PS from Toomebridge, Moneynick PS, Randalstown and Edwards PS from Castlederg – have been given the opportunity to get involved.

“We are delighted to be able to support this unique opportunity for young people to see real life STEM in action,” said Julia Carson, STEM Ambassador Hub Manager at W5.

“Throughout the day they will hear from experts in engineering and construction, take part in hands-on activities and then see how all these technical skills come together to create a jaw-dropping, live action event with Arenacross.”

The action itself gets underway for the paying public at 6 PM on Friday evening.