Raiffeisen Arena

The Raiffeisen Arena is an ice hockey arena in Porrentruy, Switzerland. The arena serves as the home for HC Ajoie of the National League (NL).

Raiffeisen Arena

Former names	Patinoire de Porrentruy (1973–2020)
Address	Route de Courgenay 21 CH-2900
Location	Porrentruy, Switzerland
Coordinates	47°25′N 07°05′E / 47.417°N 7.083°E / 47.417; 7.083
Capacity	5,078
Construction
Opened	1973
Renovated	2020
Expanded	2020
Construction cost	CHF 27.8 million (renovation)
Architect	Dolci Architectes Stähelin Partner
Tenants
HC Ajoie (NL) (1973–present)

History

 

Raiffeisen Arena prior to renovations

Raiffeisen Arena was formerly known as Patinoire de Porrentruy and has been the home arena for HC Ajoie since 1973. In 2018, the Porrentruy District voted yes on the renovation and expansion of the arena.^[1] Ground breaking for the arena renovations began in July 2019.^[2] The arena began to be erected in November 2019.^[3] The wood for the arena was largely sourced from the surrounding communities. 2,000 cubic meter of softwood and 1,000 cubic meter of hardwood were used. The expansion began in May 2020, when the existing ice rink was renovated to meet modern standards.^[4]

The new 4,650-seat arena is also used by the curling club, figure skaters and the general public for ice skating.^[5] A second ice rink was also built with National Hockey League (NHL) dimensions. HC Ajoie played away games to begin the season, until the new arena was completed.^[6] The first game at Raiffeisen Arena was played on November 24, 2020, in front of a crowd of 4,761 people.^[1]

In December 2022 it was announced Raiffeisen Arena would serve as a second venue for the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championships.^[7]

References

1. Birrer, Peter (November 24, 2020). "Der Leuchtturm trotzt der Krise". Berner Zeitung (in German). Retrieved December 29, 2022.
2. "Laying of the foundation stone for the ice rink in Pruntrut". timbatec.com. July 8, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
3. "Ice rink in Pruntrut - The wooden structure is erected". timbatec.com. December 12, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
4. "Wood from the Jura forest for the new ice rink in Pruntrut". timbatec.com. December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
5. "Sensational - HC Ajoie is cup winner and is looking forward to a new stadium made of wood". timbatec.com. March 2, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
6. "Start of the season for HC Ajoie". timbatec.com. October 10, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
7. Merk, Martin (15 December 2022). "Host Switzerland opens vs. Finland". IIHF.com. IIHF. Retrieved 29 December 2022.