Valascia was an indoor sporting arena located in Ambrì, Switzerland. The capacity of the arena was 6,500 and was built in 1959. It served as the home arena of the HC Ambri-Piotta ice hockey team of the National League (NL) from 1959 to 2021. The ends of the arena were open air, making hockey being played there partially outdoor.
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| Location | Ambrì, Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 46°30′33″N 8°41′31″E / 46.509203°N 8.691944°E |
| Owner | HC Ambrì-Piotta |
| Capacity | 6,500 (2,000 seated, 4,500 standing) |
| Record attendance | 9,000 (1987 - HC Ambrì-Piotta vs. HC Lugano) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1959 |
| Renovated | 1979 (roof added) 2007 |
| Closed | April 2021 |
| Demolished | 2021 |
| Tenants | |
| HC Ambrì-Piotta (NL) (1959-2021) | |
The team moved into the newly built arena for the 2021/22 season. The Valascia was then demolished as it was located in a potential avalanche path.
Closure edit
Construction for the new arena was scheduled to begin in July 2017 before being postponed to a later date. Should construction not begin before the summer of 2018, Ambri-Piotta will no longer be allowed to play in the National League. Renovation isn't possible as it would bring the total capacity below the required 6,000 to compete in the National League and the arena would still face danger from potential avalanches.[1][2][3] Therefore, the new Valascia must be ready to open in time for the 2020/21 NL season should Ambri-Piotta wishes to remain in Switzerland's top league.
On August 30, 2018, HC Ambri-Piotta announced that construction for the new Valascia is set to begin in October 2018 and should be ready to open by 2021.[4]
After multiple delays, construction officially began in April 2019, with completion due for the start of the 2021/22 season.
On April 5, 2021, Ambri-Piotta played its final game in the Valascia, a 2–3 loss to HC Fribourg-Gottéron, behind closed doors.
See also edit
References edit
External links edit
Media related to Pista Valascia at Wikimedia Commons
46°30′33″N 8°41′31″E / 46.509203°N 8.691944°E
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