Credit Suisse, the banking and financial services group, has confirmed a naming-rights agreement for the planned football stadium in Zurich.
The 18,000-capacity stadium will be built on the site of the former Hardturm ground – which was demolished in 2007 – and will be shared by Swiss Super League clubs Grasshoppers and FC Zurich.
Under the multi-year partnership, the new stadium, which is scheduled to open during the 2022-23 season, will be named the Credit Suisse Arena.
The deal between the Swiss bank and the company operating the new stadium, Stadion Zürich Betriebs AG, takes effect immediately and runs for 10 years after the stadium becomes operational.
Thomas Gottstein, chief executive of Credit Suisse, said: “Through the Credit Suisse Arena, we are further expanding our long-term support for Swiss football, which includes our partnership of more than 25 years with the Swiss Football Association.
“Moreover, today’s announcement is also an expression of our commitment to Zurich, where our bank has its roots. We are already looking forward to the first kick-off and some gripping matches between Zurich’s football clubs and their opponents at the Credit Suisse Arena!”
The new stadium will also host some Swiss national football team matches, international matches, and select women’s matches.
Andras Gurovits, vice chairman of Grasshoppers, said: “Awarding the naming rights will provide us with key support in funding our club’s activities, including youth league football, from next season already. Owing to the fact that we will soon be able to play in a ‘real’ football stadium, the Credit Suisse Arena also means a significant boost in our optimism about the future.”
The construction of the stadium is made possible thanks to a system of cross-financing involving the construction of two residential towers. The Ensemble project is privately financed and was given the green light by the citizens of Zurich in a referendum in November 2018.
Ancillo Canepa, chairman of the Board of Directors of FC Zürich, added: “I am happy that the new stadium will again host throngs of roaring fans, creating a much more exciting atmosphere. At the same time, it will also enable us to generate additional revenues to which we did not have access in the past. That will give the club long-term prospects.
“After a clear majority of voters approved the Ensemble project, we are now hoping for speedy and timely completion. I am greatly looking forward to FCZ’s first match at the Credit Suisse Arena in the summer of 2022!”
FC Zurich and Grasshoppers currently share the 31,000-capacity Letzigrund stadium, which is primarily an athletics facility. It is hoped the new stadium will provide a more intimate experience for supporters of the two clubs.
Images: Credit Suisse
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