ZSC Lions to roar in spiffy Swiss Life Arena

Article posted by Coliseum, October 11^th, 2022

Image: ZSC Lions

On October 18^th, the National League team ZSC Lions’ first ice hockey game will take place in the new Swiss Life Arena in Zürich-Altstetten in Switzerland.

‘ZSC Lions’ stated that the multifunctional arena will not only serve as the new home of the ZSC Lions, but will also host other sporting events, corporate events and events from sponsors.

The Zürcher Schlittschuh Club Lions – ZSC Lions – are a professional ice hockey team located in Zürich, Switzerland, playing in the National League. Their home arena will soon be the 12,000-seat Swiss Life Arena. The team was founded in 1930 and played at the Dolder-Kunsteisbahn from its establishment until 1950.

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The Hallenstadion is a multipurpose facility located in the quarter of Oerlikon in Northern Zürich, Switzerland. It is presently home to the ZSC Lions of the National League and has a capacity to hold 11,200 spectators. Designed by Bruno Giacometti, it opened on November 4^th, 1939, and was renovated in 2004-2005.

The Swiss Life Arena is an ice hockey and entertainment arena under construction in Altstetten, Zürich, Switzerland. It is located approximately seven kilometers West of Downtown Zürich. It will soon open and will serve as the new digs of the ZSC Lions.

The National League (NL) is a professional ice hockey league in Switzerland and is the top tier of the Swiss league system. Prior to the 2017-2018 seasons, the league was known as the National League A.

After 13 years of planning and three and a half years of construction, Peter Zahner, head honcho of ZSC Lions AG, told newsmen, “We are ready for exciting ice hockey games, full- to-the-brim spectator stands and sporting events of all kinds. The anticipation is huge!”

‘ZSC Lions’ further stated that the new arena can accommodate 12,000 people, the grandstands have been steeply built and offer a clear view of the ice from all seats. The fan standing area is just behind the goal post.

Added Zahner, “The fan chants will motivate the players to perform to the hilt.”

However, the Swiss Life Arena is not only the new home of the ZSC Lions, the multifunctional arena with the plushest fittings will also allow other sporting events and various other events to be staged.

The arena is named after Swiss Life (the largest life insurance company of Switzerland), which has a strong connection to the Zürich location. The company was founded in Zürich more than 160 years ago and has had its headquarters in the City since then.

The new Swiss Life Arena will prove to be a shot in the arm to the brand Swiss Life. The arena sits in a prominent location in the City of Zürich and, thanks to the ZSC Lions, also has a nationwide appeal – combined with sports and emotions.

Maintained Markus Leibundgut, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Swiss Life Switzerland, “The ZSC Lions will spell success in the spiffy arena and will be a great motivating force for the youths. This will also augur well for Swiss Life. I am very proud to lend our company’s name to the most futuristic facility in Switzerland.”

Sustainability First

The sustainability quotient has been accorded the highest priority while constructing the Swiss Life Arena. The stadium is connected to the Altstetten and Höngg energy network, which will supply up to 30,000 households with environmental-friendly heat.

Noted Michael Baumer, City Councilor and Head of Industrial Operations in the City of Zürich, “The City of Zürich is proud of the Swiss Life Arena. The technology of the new stadium combines ecology and economy by using synergies between cold production and the resulting waste heat. This makes the new stadium a role model far beyond Zürich.”

The surrounding office buildings will receive air conditioning from the arena and the waste heat from the ice production will be used onsite and for the district heating network.

The electricity to be used in the Swiss Life Arena will be 100 percent CO2-free. It will come from renewable sources. In addition, a photovoltaic system has been installed on the roof – the electricity produced here will be used directly in the arena.

Largest Video Cube in Europe

The arena’s technology partner Samsung has equipped the Swiss Life Arena with the latest LED and LCD displays and playback solutions. This includes Europe’s largest LED video cube to be installed in an ice hockey stadium, measuring 12 x 12 x 8 meters. With a total weight of 21 tons and an area of 420 square meters, the replays of the ZSC Lions will be shown with a scrolling image. The almost 12 million light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will be a vision.

In addition, an LED ring of 287 meters has been installed between the grandstands and a micro-LED wall in the Swiss Life Lounge. A total of 240 4k UHD Samsung displays have been set up in the stadium corridors and rooms which will keep visitors updated about current events.

Gourmet Delight

With the SV Group as a catering partner, the ZSC Lions AG has been able to engage a company that is very experienced in the field of stadium catering. The wide gastronomic offer ranges from classic stadium food for 12,000 fans, pub specialties will be on offer in the ‘1930’ sports bar and Italian classics in the ‘ZETT’ restaurant, to fine cuisine in the elegant atmosphere of the Swiss Life Lounge and the boxes for over 1,200 guests.

The cherry on the cake will be the Zett sausage which will surely leave a lingering taste in fans’ mouths.

Concluded Patrick Camele, CEO of SV Group, “We have unique culinary experiences to offer, there is something for everyone. Our gastronomy contributes to the overall experience of this unique arena.”

In addition, the SV Group will also provide nutrition food tailored to the needs of the athletes.

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