The first part of the reconstruction of the Brno hall Rondo is complete

Brno - Workers in Brno are completing the first phase of the reconstruction of the Rondo hall, which serves sports fans and lovers of large concerts. It included construction modifications of the outdoor terraces, new lighting and ventilation of the hall, and repair of the interior structural steel framework. The results were presented to journalists today by the city's leadership. The second phase, including the completion of the building, will start in September. It will last until next summer. The total costs of the Rondo modifications amount to 400 million crowns.
    Despite the renovations, the novice of the ice hockey extraleague, Kometa Brno, will hold the upcoming season in Rondo. Builders and hockey players must adapt to each other. The seating capacity is reportedly to remain unchanged.
    However, Rondo has been missing from music lovers for several months. In previous years, it hosted concerts of Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, and ZZ Top, for example. "We continue to miss Rondo when planning concerts," said Aleš Hrbek from the Glanc promotion agency to ČTK. Large scale concerts are likely to avoid Brno this winter, or they will be held in smaller venues like the Boby center or Vodova hall.
    The project designers approached the first phase of the hall's reconstruction primarily as an improvement of the internal operational conditions. "The second phase is characterized by the completion and extension of buildings, including accommodation for visiting athletes," said city hall spokesman Pavel Žára. The construction work was originally planned so that the repaired Rondo could welcome the ceremonial opening of the women's basketball world championship at the turn of August and September next year.
    The foundation stone of the Rondo hall was laid by builders in 1972 at the site of an open skating rink. However, funds were lacking for a long time to complete it. The grand opening took place only ten years later on the occasion of the world bowling championship. Since then, the hall has not undergone any significant repairs.