A celebration apart from the celebration

Like no other sporting event, the Ice Hockey World Championship is an annual, peaceful gathering of people from all cultures and nations. Fans embrace each other regardless of rivalry. They celebrate, sing, and drink. Security personnel and the police are barely present. The supporters aren't here to cause trouble or unrest, but to enjoy the sport and escape the hectic pace of everyday life. In Fribourg, this special sense of community is even more palpable than at the Olympic Games in Milan, where there was no official fan zone.

To soak up the atmosphere, I visit the fan zone outside the BCF Arena. It opens an hour and a half before the first match of the day. A game ticket isn't required. Inside, every fan will find something to enjoy. For Swiss standards, the prices are moderate. They serve a typical Swiss fondue, as well as Italian, Asian, and Greek dishes. Burgers and fries are, of course, essential at any ice hockey celebration – as is the beer, which the Czechs and Slovaks are practically devouring.

A fan becomes a star Whether there's enough beer left for the remainder of the World Championship is questionable, given the sheer quantities the Eastern Europeans are consuming. And that's despite the fact that the weather hasn't been cooperating so far. The drizzle, unpleasant wind, and temperatures barely exceeding 15 degrees Celsius aren't dampening the spirits of the die-hard ice hockey fans. A prime example is an older Czech fan dressed as Obelix, strolling through the fan zone: with white and blue trousers, a bare torso, and red braids, he spreads cheer wherever he goes – and his unusual outfit has also made him a popular photo subject.

Besides the extensive food and drink options, the fan zone also offers plenty for younger fans. Skill games, a target wall, musical entertainment – and above all, a shop where fan merchandise can be purchased. Hats and jerseys of the Swiss national team are particularly popular, as are gadgets featuring the official World Championship mascot, Cooly. The cow was launched in 2009 to mark the last Ice Hockey World Championship held in Switzerland. Seventeen years later, she is more popular with fans than ever.

As the start of the game approaches, more and more fans stream from the official fan zone towards the arena. Nevertheless, the area remains quite full. The reason: all matches are being shown on giant screens. This also draws numerous fans who couldn't get a ticket. They still want to be part of the World Championship experience and enjoy ice hockey amidst an international crowd. This sense of community is what gives the Ice Hockey World Championship its special character year after year.

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A celebration apart from the celebration

The Ice Hockey World Championship in Zurich and Fribourg is in full swing. Besides top-class competitive sport, the tournament also offers fans a very special experience.

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