| Stadium Name: | Forum d'Octodure |
| Location: | Martigny, Switzerland |
| Broke Ground: | 1955 |
| Opened: | 1955 |
| Owner: | Municipality of Martigny |
| Operator: | Forum d'Octodure SA |
| Construction Cost: | 400'000 CHF |
| Architect: | Raymond Métral |
| Tenants: | HCV Martigny (SL) (2023–present) |
| Seating Capacity: | 4,500 |
Forum d'Octodure is an arena in Martigny, Switzerland. It is primarily used for ice hockey and is the home arena of HCV Martigny. Forum d'Octodure was opened in 1955, in 1982 a roof was built and the rink became covered.
During the summer of 1955, the idea of creating the first artificial ice rink in Valais was launched. The HC Martigny, freshly promoted to the NLB obtains the support of the Municipality of Martigny for the construction of its ice rink. With the evolution of cooling techniques, what would have cost 1 million CHF 10 years ago can be achieved for 250,000 CHF at this time. The Municipality agrees to support the project of 125,000 CHF. The location is offered by the Maison du Grand-Saint-Bernard, an 8000 m2 plot of land on the edge of the city, next to the football stadium and the swimming pool. The architect, Raymond Métral, plans a playing surface of 60 m by 30 m wide, cooled by a 21 kilometer ammonia circuit. He plans to build 5 stands that can accommodate 2,000 people, a canteen, locker rooms and an equipment room are also planned.[1] [2] Work begins on August 21. After flattening the surface and pouring a first slab, the 21 kilometers of pipes (aligned every 8 cm over the entire surface) are welded. on November 15, the floating slab was poured and the ice rink was ready to be operational at the beginning of December.[3] On November 18, 1955, the board of directors of the Patinoire de Martigny SA was founded. Jean-Maurice Gross is elected president, Adrien Morand vice-president, Paul Forstel secretary and the other members are Pierre Crettex, Angelo Visentini, Jean Bollin and Paul Marti.[4] In the end, the construction cost around 400,000 CHF. On December 3 and 4, the ice rink was officially inaugurated, with two matches, one against the Servette HC, lost 10-7 and one between the Lausanne HC against a Martigny-Servette selection, won 16-12 by them.[5] The ceremony continues at the Kluser Hotel, where the president of the Municipality welcomes representatives of the Swiss hockey league.[6]
In 1981, the municipal authorities intended to provide the ice rink with a roof. With a budget of 1,325,000 CHF, the study of this project is attributed to Michel Jacquérioz.[7] Although many arguments are in favor of this construction, such as the reduction in maintenance costs and the increase in the operating time of the ice, many opponents appear during the general council. The main criticism is that the study of this project was carried out very quickly, without other alternative proposals. The credit is accepted by 29 votes to 27.[8] The work, scheduled for the beginning of June, began in mid-July, following some administrative delays.[9] Roman Baths were discovered during the earthworks, which delayed the project a little and forced the architect to find a solution to preserve them. Installing support pillars and raising the slab by 60cm, thus making it possible to visit these historical remains, he obtained authorization to continue the work.[10] These various delays forced Martigny HC to play their home games elsewhere. he therefore came to an agreement with Monthey HC to use their ice rink.[11] At the end of November, the new changing rooms and stands were built and work on the roof really began with the installation of the metal frame.[12] Despite the progress of the work, some opponents of this construction are trying to file a final appeal, which is not taken into consideration by the authorities.[13] Although the roof covering work is still in progress, the ice has been created and activities on it can resume. Martigny HC hosts Genève-Servette for its first home match of the season on December 16, 1981.[14] In mid-January, when the roof covering work was already well advanced, an inspector from the worker protection office stopped the work. The safety conditions are insufficient for work at a height of 17 meters; it requires that a protective net be installed to protect workers from a fall and skaters using the ice below from receiving any object on their heads.[15] After installing this protection system, work resumed and on February 12, 1982, the last plate covering the ice rink was installed.[16]
In 1987, following the promotion of Martigny HC to the NLB, the club had to renovate its ice rink to meet the league's requirements. the study is entrusted to Christian Constantin. The project plans to demolish the canteen to make 6 changing rooms and additional stands. A restaurant that can accommodate 180 people is planned. The new capacity of the ice rink is planned at 5,500 people and the expected cost for this work is 2,850,000 CHF.[17] In July 1988, in addition to the expansion, a central clock was installed in the center of the rink and the rink was renamed Forum d'Octodure.[18]
In 2003, the municipality had to change the cooling system of the ice rink dating from 1955. Environmental standards no longer allow the use of as much ammonia. 1,700,000 CHF are planned to renovate this system.[19] Armand Debons, the architect for this project, proposed a glucole solution; the new system was operational in September 2004.[20]