Construction has officially commenced on a multifunctional hall in the Brno exhibition grounds in the Czech Republic, designed to accommodate up to 13,000 spectators. While its primary purpose is to serve as the home venue for the ice hockey club Kometa Brno, the arena will also host various other events, including cultural, sports, trade, and congress events. The construction project has an estimated budget of 4.5 billion CZK (approximately 207 million USD) and is slated to be completed in 33 months.

The main objective of the new arena is to provide modern facilities that can cater to a wide range of events, making it a valuable addition to Brno’s infrastructure. Despite the estimated construction cost of 4.5 billion CZK, Brno’s representatives have secured financing with a reserve of almost six billion CZK to account for any unforeseen expenses. The facility will be operated by the municipal company Arena Brno.

During the cornerstone-laying ceremony, Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed his support for the project, highlighting its potential to expand Brno’s event hosting capabilities. He emphasized that the new arena would play a crucial role in attracting visitors who currently seek sports and cultural events in other cities. Fiala also underlined the importance of such investments in making Brno more prominent and attractive on the national and international stage.

Mayor Markéta Vaňková described the start of construction as the most significant day in her political career, marking the beginning of one of the largest construction projects in recent years. She also drew attention to the broader transformation of the exhibition grounds, including plans for an urban ring road, a tram loop, and a proposed cable car connecting Brno’s campus in Bohunice.

Despite the enthusiastic support from city officials and many residents who anticipate the positive impact of the arena on Brno’s appeal and cultural activities, there is opposition to the project. Critics argue that the construction of the arena represents a financial burden on the city, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability. Nevertheless, construction is now officially underway, and the project is expected to bring new life and opportunities to Brno’s exhibition grounds.

Article by Prague Forum