In Vsetín, the renovation of the ice hockey stadium has begun

Vsetín - In Vsetín, the first stage of the reconstruction of the Na Lapači ice rink has begun. The investment will require approximately 50 million crowns over the next five years. The gradual reconstruction of the ice rink is one of the priorities of the city leadership, Vsetín city hall spokeswoman Adéla Kousalová informed ČTK today.

The work planned for this year will cost about ten million crowns excluding VAT. "We are trying to secure funding for the investments into the ice rink through grants. In the first phase, we are applying for a grant from the Ministry of Education, which could cover up to 60 percent of the costs for the new ice surface cooling system," said Deputy Mayor Tomáš Pifka (STAN).

In two months, the cooling system of the ice surface will be replaced, and light boards will be added on both sides of the hall behind the goals, one featuring a large LED screen. The work should be completed at the turn of July and August so that the preseason preparation of the hockey teams is not disrupted. The access for wheelchair users will also be modified.

The current cooling system is inadequate due to a significant coolant leak. A new layer with cooling elements will be laid on the concrete surface, raising it by 25 centimeters, which will require adjustments to the boards, benches, and penalty boxes.

The city hall is already preparing further stages of reconstruction. "Currently, an assessment of the roof and the possibility of its reconstruction is underway. The supporting cables would remain, but the roof structure, including new thermal insulation and waterproofing, would be replaced," said Pifka. There are also plans for the renovation of the locker rooms and other facilities, and the outer facade of the stadium, largely consisting of glass surfaces, is set to be changed.

"The Na Lapači ice rink was constructed in 1962 as a natural ice surface. It has had a cooling system since 1966. The construction of the covered ice rink above the existing ice surface, which was modeled after one in Calgary, Canada, began in 1979. In 2010, a total reconstruction of the cooling machinery and boards took place. In subsequent years, the outdated lighting and sound system were also replaced," the city spokesperson stated.