HC Ambri-Piotta, a historic ice hockey club, has faced ongoing financial difficulties despite a dedicated fan base and recent profitability. The opening of the Gottardo Arena in 2021 offered some hope, yet substantial debts from its construction remain a burden. Internal discord within the board has emerged, with calls for leadership change amidst restructuring discussions. While a potential investment from Canadian backers could aid finances, concerns linger about the impact of external funding on the club’s identity and operations.
The Financial Struggles of HC Ambri-Piotta
HC Ambri-Piotta, a club steeped in rich history, has always dreamed big but has continually faced financial challenges. This narrative has been prevalent for decades, with the club’s financial woes becoming a hallmark of its identity—something that sets it apart from other Swiss ice hockey teams.
Despite never clinching a championship title and managing to win just one playoff series since the new millennium, the loyal supporters of Ambri showcase remarkable resilience. Fans are often called upon to assist, as fundraising campaigns have become a necessity for the club. The Valsangiacomo family, the principal shareholders and owners of the coffee company Chicco d’Oro, have frequently stepped in to alleviate financial strains.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
The opening of the Gottardo Arena in 2021 brought a glimmer of hope for the club’s financial health, theoretically improving their situation. The club reported a profit of nearly 350,000 Swiss francs for the 2023/24 financial year. Ambri enjoys a devoted fan base, robust sponsorships, and impressive stadium attendance, recording a winter occupancy rate of 95.4 percent, the second highest in the league, despite less-than-stellar team performance.
However, the construction costs from the new stadium continue to burden the club significantly. While recent profits are encouraging, they primarily serve to cover interest payments on accumulated debts, including loans from the Federal Office of Sport and local COVID relief funds. With an estimated outstanding liability of around 10 million francs from stadium construction, the financial pressures remain immense.
In late 2023, internal strife within the board became apparent as members debated how to tackle the club’s financial difficulties. Board members Heinz Haller and Hubert Christen advocated for a debt restructuring plan, which depended on the resignation of President Filippo Lombardi. Lombardi, who has been at the helm since 2009, has faced criticism for his management style and decision-making, earning him the moniker “Sun King” among detractors.
Despite the challenges, Lombardi has reportedly secured a letter of intent for a financial influx of 1.5 million francs from Canadian investors, with the deal facilitated by investment banker Justin Fogarty. However, the specifics of this investment remain vague, and there are concerns regarding the implications of foreign capital in the club’s operations.
As Ambri navigates these turbulent waters, the hope is that the essence of the club—the unwavering spirit of its community—will remain intact and not be overshadowed by external financial motives. The recent resignations of board members Haller and Christen underscore the urgency of addressing the club’s issues, but with a steadfast fanbase and potential new funding, the future holds both challenges and possibilities for HC Ambri-Piotta.