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Stade de Suisse sets attendance record

The Stade de Suisse Wankdorf in Berne, Switzerland has warmed up for UEFA EURO 2008™ by setting an attendance record for an ice hockey match in Europe.

Derby day
The stadium, which will stage three Group C games during the first phase of the tournament in two summers' time, has made the headlines after hosting the 100th derby between Berne ice hockey giants SC Langnau and SC Bern. The open-air match was watched by 30,076 spectators, smashing the previous record of 23,192 established in 1962. The Swiss public and media were captivated by the notion that an ice hockey game could be played at a football ground, with more than 150 journalists and photographers crammed into the venue.

'Moment to savour'
As his team gathered in front of the ultra-modern arena for a photo session, John van Boxmeer, SC Bern's trainer, said: "I told my players that they should savour the moment, because it was a once-in-a-lifetime event." The stadium's managing director, Stefan Niedermaier, proclaimed the showpiece as a win-win situation for all - as well as an excellent practice run for 2008. "SC Bern won the game, SC Langnau earned a bit of money, and the Stade de Suisse employees had a lot of work to do. Everyone got what they deserved."