On 27 April 1961, two rival clubs merged to create Fribourg Olympic. Exactly 65 years later, the club is announcing a spectacular return for its playoffs: back to Sainte-Croix, the venue that was home to the club for nearly 30 years. And with it comes a change in visual identity.
An Anniversary That Comes at the Perfect Time
Exactly 65 years ago, on 27 April 1961, Fribourg Basket and Olympic Basket brought an end to several years of fierce rivalry for basketball supremacy on the banks of the Sarine. The two clubs became one: Fribourg Olympic.
From this merger was born the greatest dynasty in Swiss basketball: 22 Swiss championship titles, 13 Swiss Cups, 10 League Cups, 5 Supercups — 50 trophies in total, an absolute national record. The very first title came as early as 1966, and since then, the banners have continued to rise to the rafters.
This 27 April 2026 therefore marks a highly symbolic anniversary. To celebrate it, the club has chosen a powerful gesture: a return to Sainte-Croix, where the club played for nearly three decades.
Saint-Léonard Makes Way — for Very Good Reasons
The immediate reason for the move is well known: the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship is taking place in Fribourg, and the Saint-Léonard Sports Hall has been requisitioned to host the event’s media centre. As a result, it will not be possible to play the playoffs there.
Rather than looking for a neutral fallback option, the club’s management has turned this constraint into a historic moment. The destination: the Sainte-Croix gymnasium, which hosted the club for nearly 30 years before the move to Saint-Léonard.
It was here, on this court, that some of the finest chapters of Fribourg’s legend were written. Sainte-Croix vibrated to the rhythm of great European nights, battles against Pully, Vacallo and Monthey, and a succession of titles. For the fans who experienced that era, it is a true trip down memory lane; for the younger generation, it is an opportunity to discover a mythical venue.
The Great Return of Green
The return to Sainte-Croix is accompanied by a strong editorial gesture: a temporary change in visual identity. For the home playoff games, the players will not wear the traditional white and blue jerseys, but green jerseys — the original colours of Olympic Basket before the merger.
This special kit will be worn only at home and only during the playoffs — in the semi-finals, and in the final should the team qualify. A limited edition by nature, it is fully in line with the “Toujours plus haut” philosophy that has accompanied the club since its creation, and which also gave its title to the book published for the club’s 60th anniversary in 2021.
Reduced Capacity, Intimate Setting
Sainte-Croix will offer a capacity of 2,500 spectators, seated and standing — smaller than Saint-Léonard, but with an intimacy and acoustics that many consider unique.
A few practical details to know:
- No parking will be available on site. Commercial car parks on the outskirts remain accessible.
- The club strongly recommends using public transport. Travel on Fribourg public transport in frimobil zones 10 and 11, in 2nd class, is included from 2 hours before until 2 hours after the game for all holders of a match ticket or season ticket. Bus stop: Industrie.
- Doors open 1 hour 30 minutes before tip-off.
- Season ticket holders will keep their reserved seats. VIP guests and season ticket holders will have access to a dedicated area.
Ticket Prices (prices remain the same as for the quarter-finals) :
- Adulte : CHF 27.–
- Students / OASI pensioners: CHF 17.–
- Free admission for under-16s
Semi-Final Schedule
The semi-final opponent — Union Neuchâtel or Lausanne Basket — will be known at the end of the current series. The dates for the home games are as follows:
| Game | Date | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 (home) | Sat. 2 May 2026 | Sainte-Croix | To be confirmed |
| Game 2 (home) | Tue. 5 May 2026 | Sainte-Croix | To be confirmed |
| Game 3 | To be confirmed | Away | — |
| Game 4* | To be confirmed | Away | — |
| Game 5* | Thu. 14 May 2026 | Sainte-Croix | To be confirmed |
*Game if necessary, depending on the outcome of the series.
Press Contact
For interview requests or any further information:
David Pythoud — Marketing and Communications Director, Fribourg Olympic Basket
+41 79 784 24 61 · david.pythoud@fribourg-olympic.ch
