Case study · Switzerland
2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship
International sporting events create a unique operational challenge.
450,000+ spectators
attended the tournament across 64 games
64 games
at the two tournament locations, 15–31 May 2026
2 cities
Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland
- Apstec Falcon
- Deployed by Apstec partner MAX C. MEISTER
- No stopping, no manual checks
The event
Event at a glance
Thousands of fans arrive within short periods of time, creating significant pressure on entry points, security teams and venue operations. At the same time, organisers must maintain a positive visitor experience while ensuring a high level of safety.
During the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland, Apstec’s Falcon screening systems were deployed by Apstec partner MAX C. MEISTER to support security operations throughout the tournament.
Operating at both tournament locations in Zurich and Fribourg, the systems helped enable safe and efficient entry for fans attending one of the world’s premier international ice hockey events.
- Event
- IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2026
- Location
- Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland
- Duration
- 15–31 May 2026
- Attendees
- More than 450,000 spectators attended the tournament across 64 games
- Partner
- MAX C. MEISTER AG
- Product
- Apstec Falcon
The challenge
Large Crowds. High Expectations. Seamless Security.
Large events demand more than effective detection capabilities.
01
They also require security processes that can handle significant visitor volumes without creating bottlenecks or unnecessary delays.
02
The Apstec Falcon combines millimeter-wave technology with passive metal detection to identify metallic threats as well as organic hazards such as explosives and pyrotechnics.
03
Designed specifically for high-throughput environments, the system allows visitors to move through the screening area without stopping for routine manual inspections, helping security teams maintain efficient entry flows while supporting overall venue safety.
With the Apstec Falcon security systems from our partner APSTEC Systems, we were able to contribute to the safety of the ice hockey fans. The Falcon uses a combination of millimeter-wave technology and passive metal detection to identify not only metallic objects but also organic hazards such as explosives or pyrotechnics. Visitors pass through the archway without stopping or undergoing manual checks, contributing to safe and efficient entry.
A Partnership Built on Trust
For organisers, security is only one part of a successful event.
The overall visitor experience begins long before the opening faceoff. Entry processes must be secure, efficient and capable of handling large crowds without creating unnecessary friction.
By enabling continuous visitor flow through screening areas, technologies such as Apstec Falcon help venues balance security objectives with operational efficiency and visitor comfort.
Next step
Trusted for Major Events
The successful deployment at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship demonstrates how modern screening technologies can support large-scale sporting events where security, throughput and visitor experience must work together.
Apstec would like to thank MAX C. MEISTER and the Organizing Committee of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Switzerland for their trust and collaboration throughout the tournament.
Use cases
