From August 28 to 30, 2026, the Vaudoise aréna in Lausanne, Switzerland, will host the Lausanne Judo Grand Slam, marking an official stop on the International Judo Federation’s world tour, according to event organizers at vaudoisearena.ch.
The three-day tournament represents a historic milestone for Swiss sports. According to vaudoisearena.ch, it is the first time Switzerland has hosted a judo competition of this magnitude, bringing together roughly 900 athletes from more than 50 nations. The entry list features 300 para-athletes, creating an inclusive format where elite and para-judo competitors share the exact same stage.
The event schedule runs daily with doors opening at 07:30 local time, preliminary action starting at 08:00, and final blocks concluding the evening at 20:00. Daily competition dates span Friday, August 28, Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026. Detailed daily session schedules will be released closer to the start date.
Star Power and Swiss Contenders at Vaudoise Aréna
International headliners anchor the competition field in Lausanne. According to vaudoisearena.ch, multi-time Olympic champion and sport reference Teddy Riner is expected to compete alongside other international stars.
Local fans will also have multiple home-country talents to track across the weekend. The Swiss contingent features Daniel Eich, a multi-medalist on the World Judo Tour, alongside Olympic athlete Binta Ndiaye and M21 world champion April Fohouo, as reported by vaudoisearena.ch.
Ticketing and Public Transit Access in Lausanne
Tickets for the Lausanne Judo Grand Slam are currently available through Ticketmaster, with organizers encouraging attendees to secure seats ahead of the weekend sessions.
Spectators traveling to the Vaudoise aréna should note that on-site parking is unavailable during the event. Organizers strongly recommend utilizing regional public transportation systems. Rail travelers can use the CFF Prilly-Malley train station, while metro users can access the venue via line M1 at the Prilly-Malley stop. Local TL bus lines also service the arena directly. For drivers, designated park-and-ride facilities connected to public transit are available at UNIL, EPFL, and P+R Vennes.
Official schedules, real-time transit updates, and venue regulations will be published on the official Vaudoise aréna event portal ahead of the August opening bell.
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