Arenas and Ice Rinks
IIHF World Championships · Host Regulations · Championship Planning · Event Venues And Facilities
21.1The Host shall ensure the availability of two (2) arenas, of which one shall serve as the main venue for the Championship and shall have a capacity of ten thousand (10’000) seats at a minimum (the “Main Arena”). Both arenas shall have sufficient space and facilities to accommodate the rooms and services described under Articles 24 - 63 of this Event Code.
21.2The second arena shall be located within a maximum of three (3) hours travelling time from the Main Arena and shall have a capacity of eight thousand (8’000) seats at a minimum.
21.3Both arenas shall be in close proximity to an international airport.
21.4The Host ensures that each venue guarantees the exclusive availability of a practice rink, preferably adjacent to the arena or reachable in a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes by bus.
21.5In the event that the Championship is relocated after the installation of the advertising and/or the broadcasting equipment and infrastructure due to circumstances attributable to the Host, the Host shall be responsible for production and (de)installation costs relating to all new arrangements.
21.6Game, practice rinks and other relevant facilities or areas shall be made exclusively available to the Host at least seven (7) days prior to the start of the Championship and shall remain available until two and a half (2.5) days after the conclusion of the Championship. The Host shall deliver on a non-exclusive basis certain limited areas as early as twelve (12) days prior to the beginning of the Championship, if so agreed with the IIHF and/or the IIHF Commercial Partner (e.g. uniform center, accreditation center, under-ice installations, set-up of temporary constructions, in-arena rigging, TV compound infrastructure such as cabins, etc.).
21.7During the above-mentioned period, the Host shall ensure complete exclusivity and availability for all areas of the above-mentioned arena(s), which shall be reserved in its entirety, including its vicinities, access routes, aerial space or temporarily used spaces and facilities, for the sole use of the Championship during the entire event.
21.8For the avoidance of any doubts, the above-mentioned period includes periods between games and game-free days.
21.9All ice rinks shall comply with the requirements set out in Rule 1 of the IIHF Rule Book and be provided with the maximum possible width of plexiglass panels in the four (4) corners of the rink.
21.10The Host ensures that the quality of the ice is at all times in line with the IIHF Ice Quality Standards.
21.11The Host is responsible for ensuring that the arena facilities are fit for purpose and maintained as such throughout the whole length of the Championship.
21.12The Host ensures proper logistics management including, but not limited to, load-in and load-out operations for goods related to the Championship.
21.13The Host acknowledges that new requirements arising from evolution in the broadcasting technology or expansion of services (e.g. interview positions), which are approved by the IIHF, shall be provided to the IIHF Commercial Partner at no additional cost.
21.14Exceptions may be granted by the IIHF if the situation so requires.