AEG expands European footprint with Lausanne deal

AEG’s venues division, AEG Facilities, is to operate a new, 11,500-cap. arena in Lausanne – its first in Switzerland.

The as-yet-unnamed arena – which broke ground earlier this year and is set to open in summer 2019 – will be used for home matches by the Lausanne HC ice-hockey team, which is currently playing in a temporary arena following in April of the 9,000-cap. CIG de Malley.

The venue, owned by the city of Lausanne, will also be used for concerts and other events, “ranging from 4,000 to 11,500” capacity, says AEG.

The announcement of AEG’s management of the the Lausanne arena comes amid period of European expansion for the world’s second-largest live entertainment company, following recent deals with Friends Arena in Stockholm and Stadio della Roma in Rome. Its European portfolio also includes The O2 in London, Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, AccorHotels Arena in Paris and The SSE Hydro in Glasgow.

“This state-of-the-art new arena will … establish Lausanne as a one of Europe’s busiest gateway markets”

AEG Facilities SVP Richard Krezwick will oversee the Lausanne project, which includes input on the construction phase and the hiring and training of staff.

“This state-of-the-art new arena will be located in one of the most important regions for national and Olympic [hockey] federations, and we believe will deliver world-class sports competitions and entertainment events that will establish Lausanne as a one of Europe’s busiest gateway markets,” comments Bob Newman, president of AEG Facilities.

“We are proud to partner with Lausanne Hockey Club, one of the most respected organisations in Europe, to develop an arena that will become a focal point and cultural hub for the city and region.”

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