Weltklasse Zurich

The Wanda Zurich Diamond League meet named “World Class Zurich 2020” apparently has groundbreaking plans for the 2020 edition, according to a message sent to volunteers and members:

“As host of the Wanda Diamond League finals, Zurich is planning a three-day athletics spectacle from September 9th to 11th with no fewer than 24 final decisions on Sechseläutenplatz, in the main train station and in the Letzigrund Stadium on Friday evening.

It is still uncertain whether and to what extent the coronavirus affects this organisational effort or even thwarts the big plans. In the coming weeks, a decision will be made as to whether World Class Zurich 2020 can be carried out as planned, taking all requirements and challenges into account.

Today we give you an insight into the current planning status.

With sporting regards

Andreas Hediger & Christoph Joho
Co-Meeting Directors World Class Zurich”

The coronavirus (COVID-19) still has a firm grip on our everyday life. The Federal Council recently announced various easing measures to combat the spread of the pandemic. In addition to the areas of business and public life, this easing also affects parts of sport. However, no concrete statements have yet been made with regard to the existing ban on large-scale events or the temporary suspension or extension of the same.

We are currently working (as of April 24th) from the organizational side to ensure that World Class Zurich can take place as planned on Sechseläutenplatz, in the main train station and in the Letzigrund stadium. However, we take the situation very seriously and of course also deal with various scenarios by examining appropriate alternatives. The health of everyone is our top priority in this context.

The fact is: At Weltklasse Zürich we have always had the aspiration to present the world’s best athletes to the “best audience in the world”. This currently makes planning very complex. Especially as a top Swiss event, which not only has to comply with the national requirements of the federal government but as the final host of the global athletics series must also take international developments into account. Keywords: risk areas, border closures, travel restrictions, quarantines. The biggest challenge is not knowing how long the corona crisis will last in this country, in Europe and on other continents, and when and which countries will allow travel again. In some countries, large events are prohibited until the end of August or even beyond.

Within the global athletics family, the Diamond League, but also Swiss sport, there are currently intensive discussions in which we are involved. We expect to have certainty in May in what form an international athletics season 2020 will take place and whether World Class Zurich can be carried out as planned.

Whether chatting with good friends, playing sports together or thrilling sporting events, we all miss something in our everyday life. It is all the more important to reminisce. Do you remember the victory of 800-metre world champion André Bucher at World Class Zurich in 2001? In our video series “Magic Moments” you will experience historical highlights in the legendary Letzigrund stadium.