The reconstruction of the football stadium for 360 million in Pilsen is complete

Plzeň - The reconstruction of the municipal football stadium in Štruncovy sady in Plzeň, costing 360 million crowns, is complete. New stands have been built in the eastern, northern, and southern parts, the athletic track has disappeared, and the pitch has been moved 18 meters closer to the main stand. If UEFA approves the new stadium with nearly 13,000 seats, the Czech champions will play in the Europa League there in February.
    Work on the Viktoria stadium began this March. The city hall plans to spend a total of 360 million crowns, of which half will be paid next year, according to technical deputy mayor Petr Rund (ODS), when lighting poles will be installed in two corners, and the southern stand will be extended by three sections.
    "The second phase, which is the renovation of the main stand (which remains in its original form with a capacity of over 6,500 people), is currently being designed, as are the two towers in the corners (for VIP areas). Funds have not yet been allocated, as it is still unknown how much it will cost," added Rund.
    Construction manager of Metrostav, Pavel Schejbal, told ČTK at the open day that the complete reconstruction will be handed over to the city in January. According to Schejbal, the contract price for Metrostav is 257 million crowns excluding VAT, which mainly includes prefabricated concrete stands on three sides of the stadium. Additional expenses were incurred for the new heated lawn, the removal of mounds, and old stands at the Gate of Warriors, which were handled by other companies.
    According to Schejbal, the site has complex geological conditions because it is close to the confluence of two rivers. At least down to four meters deep, there are initially deposited and sandy alluvial materials, with firm ground suitable for the foundation of piles lying underneath.
    The stadium, with sloping stands all around, has become more enclosed. In July, it is expected to connect with the Štruncovy sady relaxation center, which the city has also been building along both rivers since October for 72 million crowns. New pitches will be created behind the southern stand, and a footbridge will lead from there to the Prazdroj complex. The concrete fence around the stadium will be removed during the construction of the new recreation and sports area.
    The corner sector for visiting fans is separated from the others by Plexiglas walls and an arched canopy, preventing climbing on the structure. "It's like a football Alcatraz," Schejbal said humorously. During the match with Baník, it was confirmed that the new 6,230 seats are non-flammable.
    The modernized stadium also includes a camera system, top-notch fire alarms, and large LED screens at the edges of the roofs of the northern and southern stands. The complex is connected to a backup power source, that is, a diesel generator that can start within two minutes.
    The stadium did not meet the conditions for hosting European cup matches. From a technical standpoint, it also did not comply with the FAČR Project League Stadiums 2012 requirements. Plzeň had to play its Champions League matches in Prague's Eden. The team is scheduled for its first match in the knockout stage of the Europa League on February 16, and a week later, Viktoria will start in the spring home league premiere against Prague's Dukla.