Voters in Winterthur have approved the expansion of the Schützenwiese stadium with a clear majority of 75.45 percent. The result gives FC Winterthur the green light for the 35 million franc project, which includes two covered stands and a new operational building.
Club president Mike Keller sees the public vote as a strong endorsement. "For us as FCW, it was a confirmation that we are on the right path with our more than 20 years of development work and philosophy," said Keller. Approval was above 70 percent in all seven city districts, with Veltheim recording the highest yes-vote at 78.86 percent and Seen the lowest at 72.50 percent.
Project and Timeline
The plans will increase the stadium's capacity from 8,700 to 9,900 spectator seats. The new operational building will contain twelve changing rooms. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2029. Club representative Andreas Mösli said the result confirms the club's years of work and can be seen as a clear commitment by the population to the current stadium location. During the renovation, the Sirupkurve, the Yuri Gagarin statue, and 'Salon Erika' will be preserved.
The expansion aims to strengthen the foundation for youth football, women's football, and social initiatives. The club is currently enjoying a successful period on the pitch. In the Challenge League, FC Winterthur sits in second place with 18 points after nine matchdays, just three points behind leaders Stade Lausanne-Ouchy. The team is unbeaten in four games and won 4-1 at Seuzach last Wednesday.
The next competitive fixture is away against sixth-placed Neuchatel Xamax FC on October 9th.
This story first appeared at Winterthurer Zeitung
