Opening Match Set for Schalke Stadium
The 2027 Ice Hockey World Championships will open at Schalke Stadium in Gelsenkirchen, echoing the venue’s role in the 2010 tournament.
Germany is slated to meet Switzerland in the tournament’s first game on May 13, 2027, a rematch that promises early excitement.
Additional matches are scheduled in Düsseldorf and Mannheim, spreading the event across three German cities.
Schalke Stadium, with a capacity of 61,547 spectators, previously set a record when 77,803 fans filled its seats for the 2010 opening match, a benchmark that still stands.
Matti Nurminen, secretary general of the International Ice Hockey Federation, highlighted the stadium’s historic significance, noting that its atmosphere adds a special flavor to the competition.
Organizers expect the combination of tradition and modern facilities to boost interest, while the IIHF looks forward to delivering a memorable championship.