The Intercable Arena is very popular with fans. © Markus Ranalter

Pustertal wins the first ICEHL arena check

The Intercable Arena of HC Pustertal has won the first-ever ICEHL arena check. Fans evaluated aspects including infrastructure, ticketing, catering, security, and service.

August 06, 2026

From: pm/tu

The first "ICEHL Arena Check" was conducted in January 2026. Fans evaluated their arena experience in five areas: infrastructure, ticketing, game entertainment, food and beverage service, and security and service. Participants rated each aspect on a scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). They could also submit suggestions for improvement in each area via a free text field.

On Thursday, HC Falkensteiner Pustertal announced that the Intercable Arena had achieved first place in the arena audit. The club has been working on improving the game-day experience since its time at the old Rienz Stadium. The move to the new arena and the club's entry into the ICE Hockey League have opened up additional opportunities in the areas of organization and entertainment.

Focus on the fan

According to the club, continuous efforts have been made in recent years to further develop not only the sporting offerings but also the spectator experience. The increasing average attendance underscores the growing importance of ice hockey in Bruneck and the Puster Valley.

The mascot spreads good cheer. © Instagram

HCP Managing Director Jochen Schenk was delighted with the result: "We are extremely pleased to have come out on top in the big arena check. This confirms our daily efforts to offer visitors a safe, but also varied stadium experience."

Schenk attributed the success to the collaboration with the operating company Bruneck Aktiv and the municipality of Bruneck. He also emphasized the dedication of the numerous volunteers. "Our motto has always been: Everyone who comes to us is a guest, not an adversary. It's all the more gratifying that this is how it's perceived," said Schenk.

The fans feel comfortable in the HCP Arena. © Instagram

Alfred Valentin, president of Bruneck Aktiv, also emphasized the collaboration between the club, the operator, the province, the municipality, and the public utilities. He stated that the Intercable Arena has developed into a sporting and social hub in the Puster Valley. Valentin announced further innovations for the arena in the coming season.

Bruneck's mayor, Bruno Wolf, congratulated the club and the operating company on their first-place finish. He said the result was a recognition of the work done by HCP and Bruneck Aktiv.

The rankings
1. HC Falkensteiner Pustertal
2. Moser Medical Graz 99ers
3. Olimpija Ljubljana
4. Vienna Capitals
5. Red Bull Salzburg
6. Black Wings Linz
7. HC Bozen Südtirol Alperia
8. EC KAC
9. Pioneers Vorarlberg
10. EC VSV
11. HC Tiwag Innsbruck

A total of eleven teams were evaluated. According to Hockey-News, FTC Budapest and Fehervar AV19 did not reach the required minimum number of survey participants to be included in the ranking.

The arena check was conducted by the ice hockey portal "Hockey-News".