Winterthur voters to decide on 35 million franc stadium upgrade

Voters in Winterthur will decide on September 27 whether to approve 35 million Swiss francs to modernise the Schützenwiese football stadium, SRF reported. The project has attracted little opposition, unlike plans for Zurich’s Hardturm stadium.

The city council, parliament and FC Winterthur all support the upgrade. The SVP was the only party to raise concerns in parliament, saying 35 million francs could burden the city’s finances, but it ultimately also backed the funding.

The Schützenwiese, described as the canton of Zurich’s only stadium dedicated exclusively to football, is almost 70 years old. The city plans to build two new end stands, as well as an operations and changing-room building. FC Winterthur will contribute 2.6 million francs.

The new stands would provide cover for all fans and improve views because they would be steeper than the existing terraces. Additional toilets and food stands are also planned. The city and club say improved safety is another urgent reason for the investment, while the football league is also calling for better infrastructure.

New facilities for women’s and youth football

The new operations and changing-room building would be built on the southern side of the stadium, outside the main stadium area. It would contain 12 changing rooms that would be available independently of the stadium and its match schedule, particularly benefiting women’s and youth football.

The building would also include rooms for coaches, referees and stadium operations.

Although FC Winterthur has played in the Challenge League since this year and the project represents a substantial sum, it has good prospects among voters. The club has strong ties to the city and support beyond its core fan base.

Fans describe the Schützenwiese as a social meeting place as well as a football stadium. The project was developed with their involvement, allowing the Salon Erika, an art gallery and sparkling-wine bar in the fan section, to remain. Its mascot and landmark is a plastic cosmonaut representing Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space.

The Sirupkurve, a family and children’s area offering free syrup, will also be incorporated into the modernised stadium.

Work planned in stages

If voters approve the funding on September 27, construction is scheduled to take place in stages. FC Winterthur could continue playing its home matches at the Schützenwiese during the works.

The first new end stand is due to be ready for the 2028-29 season, with the entire facility planned for completion in summer 2029.

Zurich’s Hardturm stadium project remains tied up in legal proceedings. The Federal Supreme Court case is still ongoing, and it remains unclear when construction can begin.