Decrepit, without comfort and often compared to a large freezer, the Valascia ice rink is bowing out. This Monday, the mechanical diggers began the demolition of the structure, which is also the famous stronghold of the Ticino hockey club of Ambri-Piotta.
If the legendary fervor of the tifosi of HC Ambri-Piotta still resonates in the valley, it will never be the same once more, say the purists.
After 62 years of memorable encounters, including derbies with HC Lugano, the demolition of the Valascia ice rink has begun and the site will give way to pastures.
>> Images of the destruction of the building:
A new setting not far away
In fact, the rink had already closed its doors for good last year. Since then, the meetings have taken place not far from there, but in their new setting, the Gottardo Arena.
On June 12, nostalgics were able to say goodbye during a popular celebration to the building inaugurated in 1959. On this occasion, the supporters present were able to take away seats from the unscrewed stands as a souvenir.
>> Images of the Valascia farewell party:
Rockfall hazard
In 2010, faced with the danger of landslides, the Ticino authorities classified the construction as a high-risk zone, thereby condemning the building’s renovation projects.
For HC Ambri-Piotta, the demolition of the old Valascia is the essential condition for obtaining compensation from the Confederation to cover part of the costs of the new construction.
Nicole della Pietra / fgn
