The ZSC Lions are moving one step closer to the realization of their new arena in Altstetten, as the city council of Zürich has decided to back the club's project, granting construction rights as well as financial support.

Photo zsc lions

More specifically, the city council of Zürich has decided to grant the ZSC Lions the planning and building laws for their new arena in Altstetten (winning project: "Theatre Of Dreams", photo) over a period of 65 years. Furthermore, the council plans to award the "ZSC Lions Arena Immobilien AG" a loan of CHF 120 million, which has to be amortized within the following 65 years.

The capital costs for the new hockey arena is amounted to a total of CHF 169 million. Private investors will join in with CHF 30 million, whereas CHF 19 million will be funded by investment contributions of the federal state, the cantons and third-party. "The city of Zürich wants the ZSC Lions to sustain their sporting success - not only within Switzerland's top-class, but also in the youth development sector," the city's chief financial officer Daniel Leupi explained their decision.

The new home of the ZSC Lions is projected to open its doors in 2022, at the latest. In addition to the main arena with a capacity of 11,600 there is also planned a practice rink, as well as restaurants and office areas. It is now the turn of Zürich's local council. If this council gives green light to the city council's decision, it will finally come to a referendum, where the people of Zürich will have the last say in this case. (rlu)

For more infos about the ZSC Lions' arena project, feel free to visit: www.eishockeyarena.ch