MERCENARIES RETURN TO WIL
The Helvetic Mercenaries have confirmed that they will once again play their home games at the Lidl Arena in Wil next season.
The announcement not only ensures that the Mercenaries remain in an accessible, central location for fans of professional American football in Switzerland, but all but confirms that they will return as a permanent fixture in the European League of Football after a difficult 2025 campaign. The management that seemed intent on returning to the ELF as the league crumbled under the weight of the EFA exodus has largely moved on, in most part to form the Alpine Rams, but Helvetic have been unusually active on social media of late, announcing player signings and, now, the confirmation of a home stadium as they attempt to show that they remain alive and kicking.
The development of spectator numbers though a 2025 campaign that, more often than not, resulted in lopsided defeats for the Mercenaries clearly shows that the move to Wil paid off for the franchise. Compared to their previous stadium, Helvetic more than doubled their spectator numbers in 2025, underlining Wil’s potential as a venue amid the growing interest in American football in the region. The town, which boasts a population just north of 25,000, offers an ideal destination for football communities from the Zurich area, as well as eastern Switzerland, Graubünden and even southern Germany. Furthermore, the Mercenaries have consistently attracted visitors from central Switzerland, although the commitment of more far-flung areas may be tested by the arrival of the Rams.
The first home game of the 2025 season was a particular highlight, as 2,300 fans flocked to the Lidl Arena for the visit of the newly-founded franchise Nordic Storm. It wasn’t just the Mercenaries’ best-attended home game of the season, but also a clear indication that football in Wil could generate significant interest. The successful start confirmed that fans were ready to actively support the Mercenaries project and become part of the growing football community and the return of home games in 2026, combined with the positive feedback on event and stadium experience this past season, speak to sustainable development.
Mercenaries’ season tickets will be available at preferential rates in the coming days, with exact fixtures, kick-off times and opponents to be announced by the European League of Football at the beginning of the new year.