PostFinance-Arena

PostFinance Arena

PostFinance-Arena in 2011
Former names	Eisstadion Allmend Bern Arena
Location	Mingerstrasse 12 3014 Bern
Owner	Swiss Prime Site AG
Capacity	17,031 (Previously 17,131)
Opened	1967
Tenants
SC Bern (National League A) (1967 - present)

PostFinance Arena (originally known as Eisstadion Allmend and Bern Arena) is an arena in Bern, Switzerland. It is primarily used for ice hockey and is the home arena of SC Bern. It was built in 1967 and currently accommodates 17,031 people. A characteristic of the PostFinance Arena is that it has the world's largest standing room grandstand within an arena, with a capacity of 10,422 bench seats.

The PostFinance Arena was the main arena for the 2009 IIHF World Championships, and has already hosted the inaugural Victoria Cup.

Spectators

File:PostFinanceArenaFans.jpg

PostFinance Arena grandstand

PostFinance Arena holds a Europe-wide record, having a 16,203 spectator average in the 2008/2009 season.

Structure

The main roof comprises glulam arches, tied by steel tension members at their springing points. The maximum span of these arches is 85 metres.

Renovation

Due 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.

External links

• Official Website (German)