Pardubice is preparing repairs for the Gate of the Warriors, which is part of the summer stadium

Pardubice - The dilapidated Gate of Warriors in Pardubice will be repaired by the city. The heritage-protected structure is part of the summer stadium, which will soon undergo modernization. The building will not only serve football purposes. City representatives told journalists today.

The facility, which opens onto U Stadionu Street, originally served as a stand. In the upper part, there is the original covered orchestra pit. The space under the stand served as a shelter for spectators from the rain and as social facilities. Over the years, it has undergone many, sometimes inappropriate reconstructions, subsequently ceased to be used, and is quickly deteriorating.

"The building should serve as a café, possibly a fan shop for the football club, and there should be social facilities. In the outdoor area, where seating is possible, a place for smaller concerts could be created. It will not only serve the needs of the footballers," said Mayor Jan Nadrchal (ANO).

The city recently named the stadium after Arnošt Košťál, who is known for his resistance during World War II, but was also a significant football official and supporter of sports. The council decided to support the investment plan for the repair of the Gate of Warriors, with costs amounting to 32 million crowns excluding VAT.

"The facility is in very poor technical condition. Adjacent to the newly reconstructed stadium, it would be undignified to leave it in this state. That is why we propose in the budget change 2.5 million crowns to ensure complete project documentation, so that the reconstruction can begin as soon as possible," Nadrchal said.

The summer stadium dates back to 1931, designed by architects Karel Řepa and Ferdinand Potůček. Its modernization began in April 2021, and the first match is set to take place there on February 4. Today, the inspection process started, to be completed around January 27.

"It is a huge battle, but we are doing everything to ensure that play can take place on February 4. It is already sold out. The inspection will certainly not take place without defects and unfinished work, but we have agreed with the company PORR that they must not impede the use of the building," said Deputy Mayor Jan Hrabal (ANO). The unfinished work is not of a fundamental nature, rather minor details, he added.

The stadium will have parameters for matches of the highest leagues, alongside it is a training area for footballers and other athletes. New southern, northern, and eastern stands have been created, and the construction company has repaired the main western stand. The capacity is for 4,500 spectators, previously it was 600 spectators.