Historic, unique, memorable. There are many adjectives that could describe the AIL Arena Opening Weekend, which on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May drew an extraordinary response from the public, with over 10,000 attendees (10,205 registered for the AIL Arena Self Tour alone).
F.C. Lugano SA is proud of this incredible achievement and would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible. Our first thanks go to the people of the City of Lugano and the Canton, whose extraordinary support helped transform the Opening Weekend into a celebration destined to go down in the sporting history of the Club and the region of which it is a proud representative.
The Club would therefore like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the organisers, to everyone involved and, in particular, to the City of Lugano, represented by Mayor Michele Foletti and Deputy Mayor Roberto Badaracco, and to AIL SA, in the person of Angelo Bernasconi, Chairman of the Board.
The Club also expresses its deep gratitude to all staff members, who played a central role throughout two particularly intense and rewarding days, ensuring a warm welcome, support and helpfulness to an audience that repeatedly expressed its appreciation for the experience.
Special thanks also go to all the partners who, through their support and presence in the Fan Village, brought the two days to life and helped make them unforgettable. Particularly valuable was the collaboration with the Corriere del Ticino Group, the presenting partner of the entire event, which was promoted in the days leading up to the event across all communication channels and with the support of the special supplement published with the Thursday 28 May edition of the Corriere del Ticino.
MARTIN BLASER’S COMMENTS Martin Blaser, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, commented with great satisfaction on the success of the two-day event: “I can say with absolute conviction that these two days were much more than just a success: they were a real celebration, an unforgettable experience. Over ten thousand people accepted our invitation and came to the AIL Arena. This extraordinary response shows that together we have created something that goes far beyond the moment itself and has earned a prominent place in our Club’s history.
I was particularly moved by the countless encounters with families, children, young people and passionate fans. Many of them have been loyal supporters for many years, if not decades. Their enthusiasm, their joy, their eyes full of happiness and all the personal stories they shared with us were, for me, the most beautiful confirmation of the significance and value of this event.
Blaser then added: ‘An event of this magnitude, however, does not come about on its own: it thrives thanks to the people who have believed in the idea and the project from the very beginning and who have dedicated themselves to it with passion and heart.
I would also like to thank all the volunteers who, throughout the entire weekend, contributed with extraordinary commitment to the complete success of this magnificent event. And, to conclude, the weather was on our side too: I think we can say that everything was simply perfect.
We are all extremely happy and are looking forward with great enthusiasm to the Swiss women’s national team’s international match against Malta, scheduled for Friday evening.”
THE SUCCESS OF THE AIL ARENA SELF TOUR
Two days of celebration, participation and excitement, during which fans, families, local residents and curious onlookers were able to discover the bianconeri’s new home for the first time. An unprecedented success in terms of enthusiasm, attendance and symbolic significance. From the early hours of Saturday and Sunday, the AIL Arena area became a meeting place for different generations, united by the same curiosity and excitement. On one side were the older fans, some of whom still have vivid memories of the inauguration of Cornaredo in 1951; on the other, the younger ones, excited at the prospect of soon seeing their favourite team play in a welcoming, state-of-the-art stadium.
The highlight of the two days was the AIL Arena Self Tour, which allowed participants to experience the new stadium’s most iconic spaces for the first time. Changing rooms, stands, dugouts and the pitch: every stop brought smiles, photographs and enthusiastic comments, confirming the strong bond between the bianconeri supporters and their new home.
An experience felt not merely as a tour, but as a first real encounter with a place destined to accompany the Club, the fans and the city in the years to come.
FAN VILLAGE, MUSIC AND ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE
Alongside the tour of the Arena, there was also a huge turnout at the Fan Village set up outside the venue, which was brought to life with games, music, entertainment and a host of activities for families, children, fans and enthusiasts.
Among the partner activities, the public were able to explore areas dedicated to play, merchandise, gaming, interactive experiences and socialising. The food and beverage stands were also very popular, with visitors able to enjoy a complimentary sandwich and drink.