CORNERFLICK
Swiss club Sion have unveiled a £420 million plan for a new stadium wrapped by a giant rollercoaster, with the project due to go through local review before public consultation in 2027.
What the plans show
Concept images released by the club show the Cervin Coliseum with a retractable roof and a red rollercoaster running around the structure, including a vertical loop and several bends beside different parts of the building.
Sion say the stadium would hold 15,000 to 21,000 fans for football and up to 33,000 for concerts. The design also includes 80 hotel rooms, a fixed concert stage and a system that can cover the natural grass pitch with a hard surface for other sports.
Next steps for the project
The club have submitted the initial design to the canton of Valais authorities and the municipality of Sion for a preliminary check. In a statement, Sion said the review would help officials identify technical limits and possible construction issues, while local feedback will be needed to finalise the plans.
Public consultation is scheduled for mid-2027, and the club hope to open the stadium within four years under their Sion 2030 plan.
Why Sion are pushing ahead
Christian Constantin, the club's wealthy owner and president, shaped the project and chose a modern build rather than refurbishing the historic Tourbillon stadium. Sion said the aim is to set new standards for Swiss football grounds and turn the site into a year-round centre for sport, tourism and entertainment.
Sion finished fourth in the Swiss Super League last season and are third after nine matches this term. Former players at the club include Mario Balotelli, Gennaro Gattuso, Alex Song and Matheus Cunha.