Today marks the 30th anniversary of the inauguration of the Resega ice rink, now known as the Cornèr Arena, a facility managed by the City of Lugano’s Sports Division. On 23 September 1995, a new chapter began for the city’s sports scene with a modern venue that quickly became a reference point for ice hockey, figure skating, and major sports, cultural and recreational events.

At the time, the arena could host up to 8,000 spectators, standing out as one of the most advanced venues in Switzerland. Today, thanks to modernization works promoted by Hockey Club Lugano – including the creation of hospitality areas, the installation of a giant screen and the replacement of seating – the arena offers 6,733 seats, including 1,850 standing places, in line with the region’s top sports infrastructures.

 

The City of Lugano’s support and the new rink

The history of Resega began in 1950, when engineer Pino Pedrolini, with the expertise of engineers Beat Rüedi and Geo Mantegazza (considered the father of modern hockey in Switzerland and whose family has been tied to the club for nearly half a century), built the first open-air artificial rink. In 1977, the venue was covered and, between 1986 and 1991, it hosted HCL’s first four national titles.

The City of Lugano actively supported the facility’s growth with significant investments. In 1981 it purchased land for CHF 2,385,000 to build a new ice rink. In 1986 it acquired all shares of the Pista di Ghiaccio SA for CHF 3,300,000 and entrusted the architectural design to Studio Buletti and Fumagalli. In 1991 the City Council approved a loan of CHF 20,500,000 for the new infrastructure, followed by an additional CHF 1,350,000 in 1994. Construction took place between 1994 and 1995. In December 1995, with the liquidation of Pista di Ghiaccio SA, management of the facility officially passed to the City of Lugano.

According to Roberto Badaracco, Head of Culture, Sport and Events:

“The Cornèr Arena is not just a sports facility, but a true heritage of our city: a place of sport and social life that, in thirty years, has become a reference point for the entire region.”

 

Memories and major events

The opening day in 1995 featured a game between HCL and Lausanne, preceded by an official ceremony and enriched by a program of amateur tournaments, figure skating exhibitions and entertainment.

Over the years, Cornèr Arena has hosted memorable successes and major events: three national titles with the men’s first team (1999, 2003, 2006), one junior title (1998), seven women’s titles (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2019), as well as concerts by international artists such as Jovanotti, Tiziano Ferro, Eros Ramazzotti, Max Pezzali, Roberto Benigni and Checco Zalone. The multipurpose floor has also allowed for volleyball and other international sporting events.

Today, HCL’s Youth Section brings together 21 teams and over 400 young athletes. The Lugano Skating Club regularly organizes major competitions such as the Swiss junior championships. The rink remains open to the public and schools for skating, including facilities for people with disabilities.

For Marco Werder, HCL CEO:

“Cornèr Arena still meets the standards and requirements for professional ice hockey. The upcoming opening of the Sigirino facility will optimize ice availability across three rinks for the Youth Section. The real challenge is to keep pace with entertainment and service standards to ensure fans enjoy a 360-degree unforgettable experience.”

 

Cornèr Arena: the beating heart of Lugano ice sports

Since 1996, Resega – now Cornèr Arena – has been managed by the City’s Sports Division. With 12 locker rooms (8 standard and 4 smaller) between its two rinks, the facility is occupied daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. for training, tournaments, public skating and events.

Thirty years after its inauguration, Cornèr Arena remains a reference point for sport, culture and community life in the region, able to host major events while offering daily spaces for local sports clubs, schools and citizens.

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