The reconstruction of the Opava ice hockey stadium should begin in the spring

Opava – The extensive reconstruction of the Opava ice rink is set to begin in the spring of next year. The project costs are around 218 million crowns. During the renovation, all unsuitable spaces should be removed and replaced with a modern structure. Roman Konečný, spokesperson for the Opava city hall, said this to ČTK.

"Construction should begin in the spring after the end of the hockey season. The city intends to later apply for a grant as part of the National Sports Agency's call. However, construction will proceed even if Opava does not receive the grant, using saved funds," Konečný stated.

The building, dating from the 1950s, is already dilapidated and in unsatisfactory technical condition. The goal of the project is to create a modern building that can be used not only for ice sports and leisure activities but also for cultural and social events. "The existing ice rink, which has long ceased to fully serve its purpose, has become a significant embarrassment for Opava over the years. It is a confusing tangle of numerous modifications, extensions, and reconstructions that no longer function. It does not provide even the basic comfort that players and visitors to the hall expect," said Mayor Tomáš Navrátil (ANO).

The city has an architectural study that cleans the original historic hall of the gradually made inserts and allows the original steel structure of the hall to stand out. "All original structural elements will, on the contrary, be retained as much as possible and applied visually," stated the city's chief architect Petr Stanjura.

New stands for approximately 2,000 spectators are proposed on the original concrete steps of the ice rink. All supporting elements will be placed below the level of the seats to avoid obstructing the view of the ice surface and affecting the appearance of the interior. Associated architecturally unvalued extensions connecting to the hall from the southwest side will be removed by the builders and replaced with a new annex, including a new restaurant and lounge.

New areas will be created for shooting practice, stability, speed skating, and puck starts. The space for practicing hockey skills is designed with youth camps in mind. Training needs will be complemented by modern facilities for strength training and a gym. Emphasis is also placed on regeneration, which is designed for all age groups. It includes massage rooms, a Finnish and steam sauna, a cooling pool, and a relaxation area.

"The revitalization of the complex takes into account the restoration of the historic hall with an emphasis on the technical industrial quality of the building. The overall calm and clear space will create the impression of a hockey arena, restoring a sense of grandeur. Part of the ground floor of the hall will be glazed," Konečný said.