On the arena in Jihlava, builders are installing the roof structure; the rain delayed them for five days

Jihlava - The construction of the Horácká Multifunctional Arena (HMA) in Jihlava for 1.9 billion crowns is in its second half. The roofing is expected to be completed in the winter, with its metal beams currently installed to about a quarter. The completion date for the arena still stands at the turn of September and October 2025. This was stated by David Beke (ODS), the construction manager for the city and Jihlava councilor, during the visit of the chairman of the National Sports Agency (NSA) Ondřej Šebek at the construction site today. The agency promised to provide 300 million crowns for the arena. The city is now preparing a request for the first payment.

Beke stated that the second half of the arena's construction will be more demanding, as the roof needs to be completed and interior installations made. "We are somewhat on schedule so far," he said. Recent heavy rains delayed the construction by five days. The first part of the roof structure has been installed, and additional parts will be installed gradually, starting to be covered. "So that it is dry on the construction site as soon as possible and the necessary wiring can be done to meet all deadlines," he said.

The steel roof beams are delivered to the construction site disassembled. Because they will be up to 60 meters long, it would not be technically possible to transport them in one piece. "Usually, deliveries of parts that fit on a truck and pass through the street profile take place at night," said Beke. A model of the future facade is also prepared on-site, allowing individual construction details to be adjusted, such as glass color, bird protection, or aluminum profile color.

The construction of the arena began a year ago with the demolition of the old ice hockey stadium, where a new multifunctional complex is now rising. Due to construction in the center, workers must deal with a lack of space. The project for the city is being carried out by the company GEMO.

The arena will not only serve the Dukla hockey club but will also host other sports matches and social events. In the corner building being constructed with the arena, there will be accommodation, a gym, and a fitness center, alongside a shop and a pub. The new complex will provide access to the neighboring Smetanovy Sady.

The city is building the arena with the help of subsidies. In addition to the NSA, the Vysočina Region is also contributing, promising a total of half a billion crowns.