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UEFA Club Competitions

F.A.Q.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The AIL Arena is the new home of FC Lugano. It is a modern football stadium designed to offer an experience closer to the pitch, with compact stands, new hospitality areas, digital services and dedicated spaces for fans.

The AIL Arena is located in the Cornaredo area, just a few minutes from Lugano city centre. The stadium is part of the Polo sportivo e degli eventi, the city project that includes new sports infrastructure, public spaces and green areas.

The AIL Arena has been the new home of FC Lugano since the 2026/27 season, after 75 years at the Stadio comunale di Cornaredo, used by the Club from 1951 to 2026.

The first official match played at the AIL Arena was the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Switzerland and Malta, played on 5 June 2026.

Das erste offizielle Spiel des FC Lugano in der AIL Arena war FC Lugano-KF Dukagjini im Rahmen der UEFA Club Competitions, ausgetragen am 23. Juli 2026.

The naming rights agreement that allows the stadium to be called AIL Arena applies to national competitions. UEFA and international competitions follow specific sponsorship regulations: for this reason, during European or international matches, the stadium is referred to as Lugano Arena.

CAPACITY AND SECTORS

The capacity of the AIL Arena varies depending on the competition and the stadium configuration. The venue has more than 8,000 seats and can have different configurations for domestic matches and UEFA Club Competitions matches.

The correct sector and entrance are indicated on the ticket or season ticket. Fans are advised to check their access pass before arriving at the AIL Arena and to follow the external stadium signage.

MAP

The away sector is located in Sector E of the AIL Arena and has a dedicated entrance. Specific information is communicated depending on the match and the applicable security arrangements.

GETTING TO THE AIL ARENA

Yes. All fans holding an access pass for the AIL Arena, either a single match ticket or a season ticket, can travel free of charge on all public transport in Ticino for the entire matchday simply by showing their ticket or season ticket.

The AIL Arena can be easily reached by train, bus, on foot, by bicycle or by car. The Club recommends giving priority to public transport, cycling or walking.

INDICATIONS

The AIL Arena is served by TPL lines 4, 6 and 7, operating on both weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, the stadium can also be reached via line 441 Lugano–Lamone, line 462 Lugano–Carnago and PostBus line 420.
For the return journey after weekday evening matches, fans are advised to check the updated timetables and to prioritise TPL lines 4, 6 and 7.

Using a private car is not recommended on matchdays. The number of parking spaces near the stadium is limited and not sufficient for the number of fans attending. Fans are therefore advised to use public transport, cycle or walk to the stadium.

There are some parking spaces near the AIL Arena, but availability is limited. On matchdays, the Club recommends planning your arrival in advance and giving priority to sustainable mobility options.

Yes. The AIL Arena can also be reached by bicycle. Cycle paths and bike-sharing options are available near the stadium.

INDICATIONS

MATCHDAY

The gates open 90 minutes before kick-off, unless otherwise communicated for the individual match.

Only cashless payments are accepted inside the AIL Arena. Payments can therefore be made by bank card, TWINT, smartphone.

Smoking is only permitted in the designated and signposted areas of the stadium. Smoking is not allowed in other areas of the venue.

The stadium rules are available in the FC Lugano general terms and conditions. All spectators are invited to read them before entering the AIL Arena.

STADIUM RULES

ACCESSIBILITY

Yes. The AIL Arena has accessible seats and dedicated areas for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.

For requests and information regarding seats for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, please contact ticketing@fclugano.com

SECURITY AND PROHIBITED ITEMS

Yes. Security checks may be carried out at the entrance to the AIL Arena. Every spectator must hold a valid access pass and, if requested, an identity document.

It is not permitted to bring dangerous or unauthorised items into the stadium, including weapons, pyrotechnic material, bottles, cans, drones, helmets, skateboards, scooters, large bags and any other items that could compromise the safety of the event.

Fans are advised to come to the stadium with small bags only. Large bags, backpacks or suitcases may not be allowed inside the venue.

Banners, flags and supporter materials are allowed in compliance with security regulations and stadium rules. Discriminatory, offensive, political, defamatory messages or messages contrary to the values of sport are not permitted.

OFFICIAL STORE AND HOSPITALITY

The FC Lugano Official Store is located at the AIL Arena, in the Sector A9 area. On matchdays, opening hours may vary depending on kick-off time.

The AIL Arena offers several hospitality areas, including the Premium Lounge, Business Lounge, Tunnel Club and other dedicated spaces. For information about hospitality offers, please visit the dedicated section of the official website or contact hospitality@fclugano.com

SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY

The AIL Arena includes solutions designed to reduce environmental impact, including a photovoltaic system, green roofs and the promotion of sustainable mobility. The Club encourages the use of public transport, cycling and walking.

The AIL Arena includes modern technological solutions to enhance the fan experience, including LED screens, monitors throughout the stadium, digital signage, audio systems and solutions designed to accompany fans throughout matchday.

CONSTRUCTION AND FACTS

The construction of the new Polo sportivo e degli eventi, which includes the AIL Arena, was approved by the citizens of Lugano on 28 November 2021, with 56.81% voting in favour.

Construction work on the AIL Arena began on 20 September 2023. The stadium was built between 2023 and 2026.

The architectural design of the AIL Arena was developed by Cruz y Ortiz arquitectos from Seville and Giraudi Radczuweit architetti SA from Lugano.

The general contractor responsible for the construction of the AIL Arena was HRS Real Estate SA.

The total cost covered by the City of Lugano amounted to CHF 100 million. The total cost covered by F.C. Lugano SA amounted to CHF 18.4 million.

A total of 60 companies were involved in the construction of the AIL Arena. On average, 175 workers were employed on site each day.

The AIL Arena pitch features stitched hybrid grass.

The AIL Arena is an SFL category “A” and “A-PLUS” stadium and a UEFA category 4 stadium.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

For any further information, please contact info@fclugano.com.