Hallenstadion is a multipurpose indoor arena in the Oerlikon district of northern Zurich, Switzerland. Designed by architect Bruno Giacometti, it opened on November 4, 1939, making it one of the longest-running large indoor venues in Europe. A major renovation completed in 2004-05, costing roughly 145 million Swiss francs, modernized the facility while preserving its role as the city’s premier gathering place for sports and entertainment.
Over more than eight decades, Hallenstadion has hosted an extraordinary range of events, from ice hockey world championships to concerts by some of the biggest names in music. Its flexible seating configuration allows it to scale between roughly 11,200 and 15,000 attendees depending on the event, making it a go-to stop for international touring artists playing Switzerland.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Oerlikon, Zurich, Switzerland
- Type: Multipurpose indoor arena
- Opened: November 4, 1939
- Renovated: 2004-05
- Capacity (concerts): About 13,000
- Capacity (maximum): Up to 15,000
- Famous for: Longtime home of the ZSC Lions and a top European concert stop
A Venue for Sports and Spectacle
For over 70 years, Hallenstadion served as the home arena of the ZSC Lions ice hockey club, from 1950 until the team moved to the newly built Swiss Life Arena in 2022. The venue has also hosted major international tournaments, including the 1998 Ice Hockey World Championship, the 2006 European Men’s Handball Championship, and the 2011 IIHF Women’s World Championship, cementing its reputation as one of Switzerland’s most important sporting venues.
A Stage for Music’s Biggest Names
Beyond sports, Hallenstadion has long been Zurich’s premier concert destination, drawing legendary acts such as Queen, the Rolling Stones, and David Bowie across its history, alongside contemporary stars like Lady Gaga. Its central location in Oerlikon, with direct rail access, has made it a convenient and consistently popular stop for major international tours passing through Switzerland.
Explore more: Explore more iconic music venues.
Hallenstadion FAQs
When did Hallenstadion open?
Hallenstadion opened on November 4, 1939, and underwent a major renovation in 2004-05.
What is the capacity of Hallenstadion?
Capacity varies by event, ranging from about 11,200 for ice hockey up to a maximum of roughly 15,000, with concerts typically holding around 13,000.
Who has performed at Hallenstadion?
The venue has hosted acts including Queen, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Lady Gaga, among many other international touring artists.
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Photo: Roland zh / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.