The PostFinance-Arena (originally known as Eisstadion Allmend and Bern Arena) is an indoor arena in Bern, Switzerland. It is primarily used for ice hockey and is the home arena of SC Bern.[1] It was opened in October 1967 and currently accommodates 17,031 people.
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 PostFinance-Arena in May 2011 | |
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| Former names | Eisstadion Allmend (1967–2002) Bern Arena (2002–2007) |
|---|---|
| Location | Mingerstrasse 12 3014 Bern |
| Coordinates | 46°57′31″N 7°28′07″E / 46.958618°N 7.468611°E |
| Owner | Swiss Prime Site AG |
| Capacity | 17,031 (previously 17,131) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1965 |
| Opened | 22 October 1967 |
| Renovated | 1969, 2007–2009 |
| Tenants | |
| SC Bern (NL) (1967–present) | |
Construction
editA characteristic of the PostFinance Arena is that it has the world's largest general admission grandstand within an arena, with a capacity of 10,422 bench seats.[2][dead link] The main roof comprises glulam arches, tied by steel tension members at their springing points. The maximum span of these arches is 85 metres.[3]
History
editThe PostFinance Arena was the main arena for the 2009 IIHF World Championships,[4] and had already hosted the inaugural Victoria Cup the previous year. Likewise, in May 2016, the 2016 European Women's Artistic Gymnastics Championships were held at the arena.[5]
PostFinance Arena holds a Europe-wide attendance record, having a 16,203 spectator average in the 2008/2009 season.[6]
Renovation
editDue to its age and with an eye towards the 2009 IIHF World Championships, the arena was renovated. The holder invested about CHF 100 million (~$100 million) into the extension and restoration of the building. The modification was finished by April 24, 2009, when the World Championships started. The interior of the arena is mostly unchanged, especially the steep standing room stand, which is very popular with the fans. However the VIP-zone was entirely rebuilt and the capacity there was extended by about 500. The total capacity is now 17,031 spectators.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Startseite". www.scb.ch.
- ^ PostFinance Arena, Facts & Figures; https://www.postfinancearena.ch/index.php?page=112 Archived 2012-07-23 at the Wayback Machine; accessdate = 22 December 2012
- ^ PostFinance Arena, Eisstadion Allmend; [1]; accessdate = 22 December 2012
- ^ "IIHF World Championships 2009 official website". Archived from the original on May 16, 2008.
- ^ "Competition venue and arrival". Archived from the original on 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
- ^ "National League". Archived from the original on 2008-10-18.
- ^ "PostFinance Arena | Daten und Fakten". Archived from the original on March 10, 2008.
External links
editMedia related to PostFinance-Arena at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website (in German)