Ostrava is preparing an architectural competition for the construction of a new stadium at Bazaly.

Ostrava – The city of Ostrava has begun preparations for an international architectural competition for the construction of a new football stadium at Bazaly. The competition could be announced at the end of this year, and the winning design should be known approximately a year later. The city's spokesperson Gabriela Pokorná informed the press about this today. The stadium is to become a new landmark of the regional metropolis. It is expected to have a capacity of 20,000 spectators, compared to the originally anticipated 15,000 to 17,000. The construction costs are estimated at 2.5 billion crowns.

The city management confirmed in mid-2023 that it wants to build a new stadium that will meet the parameters necessary for hosting international matches, including games of the Czech national football team. It is to be built on the same site where the first league club Baník Ostrava operated from 1959 until the 2014/15 season. A verification study commissioned by the city showed that the construction of the sports facility is possible in the original area.

The city council has already established a working group that will focus on preparing the architectural competition and the stadium's construction. Today, the councilors approved the conditions for the architectural competition in a special meeting, which still need to be assessed by the Czech Chamber of Architects. Only thereafter can the city council announce the actual competition. The jury will include representatives from the city as well as renowned architects, including those from abroad.

"Intensive preparations are underway for the competition conditions and the schedule of the architectural competition. The new stadium will also be a new landmark of the city. It is crucial to integrate the building into the existing urban space in the context of the nearby New Town Hall, but the history of the location and the football club will also be emphasized. The overall quality of the architectural solution is fundamental for us," stated Mayor Jan Dohnal (Together). He added that environmental considerations and the use of sustainable technologies are also essential for the city.

"The operational solution and facilities must allow everyone, regardless of age or disability, to experience football. We are working with the idea of a children's sector or areas adapted for disabled visitors. However, we do not forget about activities outside of football matches; the new stadium should also offer leisure activities - a football club museum, various services, restaurants, fan shops, and guided tours," Dohnal added.

The estimated costs exceed two billion crowns. With the originally considered capacity of 15,000 to 17,000 spectators, the amount was estimated to be 1.5 to 1.7 billion crowns.

Bazaly was the traditional home of Baník, but the footballers had to move to the City Stadium in Ostrava-Vítkovice because the original stadium no longer met the established conditions. The city management has repeatedly labeled the functioning of footballers and athletes in joint facilities as relatively problematic, unsustainable in terms of capacity, and additionally count on further development of athletics at the City Stadium in the future.

The city decided to purchase Bazaly in 2013 when the club faced significant financial problems. The city paid about 115 million crowns for the area and thus rescued the club from bankruptcy. The purchase of Bazaly faced criticism and was passed by the council only after a repeat vote. The city subsequently had the area renovated for approximately 320 million crowns, and since 2019 it has been serving young footballers for training as well. The spectator capacity of the main playing field of the stadium is currently 450 seats.