Patinoire De Malley

Introduction

Located in the heart of Canton Vaud, Switzerland, the Vaudoise Aréna—formerly known as Patinoire de Malley—stands as a premier multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex. This state-of-the-art venue embodies Lausanne’s sporting heritage and architectural innovation, offering facilities for ice hockey, swimming, concerts, and cultural events. Conveniently accessible by public transport and road, and close to some of Lausanne’s most celebrated sights, Vaudoise Aréna is a must-visit for sports fans, families, and culture seekers alike. This guide provides everything you need to know, including visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility information, event highlights, and travel tips to maximize your experience at Vaudoise Aréna and its surroundings. For the latest updates and detailed schedules, consult the official Vaudoise Aréna website.

From Patinoire de Malley to Vaudoise Aréna

Originally opened in 1984 as the Centre Intercommunal de Glace de Malley (CIGM) to meet Lausanne’s growing demand for ice sports, the Patinoire de Malley quickly became a hub for local and international competitions, concerts, and community events (Wikipedia). Over the years, expansions—such as the 1997 "Patinoire Odyssée" and the Malley Event Center in 2008—enabled the venue to host major sporting and cultural happenings (old.vaudoisearena.ch).

By the 2010s, the facility required modernization to comply with international standards and accommodate larger audiences. A new complex was planned, and in 2017, the old Patinoire was demolished to make way for the Vaudoise Aréna, which opened its doors in September 2019 (lausanneregion.ch, vd.ch). The venue made its international debut as a host for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games (old.vaudoisearena.ch).

Visiting the Vaudoise Aréna

Visiting Hours

• Arena and Main Facilities: Generally open during event times, with public skating sessions typically on Wednesday afternoons, weekends, school holidays, and public holidays.
• Aquatic Center: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Special Events: Hours may vary—check the official website for up-to-date schedules.

Tickets

• Sporting Events and Concerts: Purchase online at the Vaudoise Aréna website or at the arena box office. Event-specific ticketing platforms (e.g., for the Federal Gymnastics Celebration) may also be used (lausanne2025.ch).
• Public Skating: Tickets range from CHF 8–10 for adults, with reduced rates for children, students, and groups (loisirs.ch).
• Equipment Rental: Skates and aids available for CHF 4–5 per session.

Accessibility

• Full wheelchair access throughout the complex, including ramps, elevators, and accessible seating.
• Assistance and equipment for skaters with reduced mobility are available with advance reservation (old.vaudoisearena.ch).
• Service animals are welcome.

Facilities and Services

Ice Rinks

• Main Arena: Seats up to 9,600 for ice hockey and 12,000 for concerts (Le Nouvelliste).
• Cooly Rink: Indoor training and public skating.
• Yodli Rink: Outdoor rink open in winter (loisirs.ch).

Aquatic Center

• Olympic-size swimming pool, diving pit, and paddling pool.
• Energy-efficient design repurposes heat from the ice rinks.

Multipurpose Halls

• Spaces for fencing, table tennis, and a variety of events (Malley Centre).
• VIP lounges, business facilities, and conference rooms (myswitzerland.com).

Amenities

• Changing rooms, lockers, free Wi-Fi.
• Multiple cafés, snack bars, and merchandise shops.
• Family-friendly facilities and group booking options.

Cultural and Sporting Highlights

Lausanne Hockey Club Home

• The arena is the proud home of the Lausanne Hockey Club (LHC), hosting Swiss National League matches (lausannehc.ch).

Major Events

• Venue for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, NHL Global Series Challenge, and upcoming international competitions such as the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup and 2028 European Men’s Handball Championship (en.wikipedia.org).

Concerts and Community Activities

• Hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and exhibitions—upcoming events include Disney on Ice and Soprano’s Freedom Tour (leprogramme.ch), (discover.events.com).
• Public skating, youth leagues, and themed events foster community engagement.

Environmental and Technological Leadership

• The arena boasts 2,000 photovoltaic panels supplying 25% of its energy needs (Le Nouvelliste).
• Recycled heat from the ice cooling systems is used to warm both the building and the adjacent swimming pools.
• Technological features include advanced acoustics and a large movable Vidéotron screen.

Economic and Urban Impact

• Vaudoise Aréna plays a vital role in Lausanne’s urban renewal, drawing thousands of visitors for each event and stimulating local businesses (Malley Centre).
• Its development has catalyzed the transformation of the Malley district into a vibrant, sustainable urban quarter.

Access, Transport, and Accessibility

• Location: Chemin du Viaduc 14, 1008 Prilly, Lausanne.
• Metro: Lausanne M1 line to “Malley” station.
• Train: Prilly-Malley station, direct covered passage ("Trait d’union") to arena.
• Bus: Several city bus lines serve the arena.
• Car: Paid underground parking with 200+ spaces; bicycle racks available (lausanne.ch).
• Accessibility: Comprehensive wheelchair access, reserved parking, and accessible restrooms.

Visitor Tips and Comfort

• Arrive early for major events to secure parking and avoid queues.
• Dress warmly for skating sessions; indoor rinks are kept cool.
• Helmets recommended for children and beginners.
• Public Wi-Fi and first aid available on-site.
• Download the Audiala app for real-time updates and ticketing.

Nearby Attractions

• Lausanne Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece within a 15-minute drive.
• Olympic Museum: Explore the history of the Olympic Games.
• Ouchy Promenade: Scenic lakeside walks and local dining.

For more, see the Lausanne tourism portal and Vaud tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Vaudoise Aréna’s opening hours?
A: Public skating sessions are usually held Wednesday afternoons, weekends, school holidays, and public holidays. The aquatic center is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Check the official website for real-time schedules.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase tickets online via the official website or at the venue. For large events, use event-specific platforms.

Q: Is the arena wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and platforms for skaters with reduced mobility.

Q: Are guided tours offered?
A: Tours are available periodically; check the website or contact the arena for details.

Q: What are the best nearby attractions?
A: Lausanne Cathedral, the Olympic Museum, and Ouchy Promenade are all within easy reach.

Contact and Further Information

• vaudoisearena.ch
• Phone: +41 21 315 55 00
• Email: [email protected]

Notable Upcoming Events

• Federal Gymnastics Celebration 2025: June 12–22, 2025, with the “Gymagine” show on June 20-21 (lausanne2025.ch).
• Major Concerts: Michael Ball and Alfie Boe on May 16, 2025 (discover.events.com).
• Sports Championships: FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025, European Men’s Handball Championship 2028.