Brno wants to renovate the Za Lužánkami stadium for 1.5 billion.

Brno - Brno is preparing to renovate the Za Lužánkami stadium, which has been deteriorating since the beginning of the millennium. The reconstruction is expected to cost over 1.5 billion crowns, said Richard Mrázek (ANO), the mayor's deputy responsible for investments, today. The city will seek funding for the renovation from the European Union and the state budget. The stadium could begin functioning in the early 2020s.
    The revitalization of the overgrown sports area, where Zbrojovka Brno claimed its only football title in the past, was spurred by the farewell of footballer Petr Švancara at the end of June. The stadium was renovated by volunteers and attracted around 35,000 people.
    The city has been considering the renovation of the stadium for some time, but has never secured the necessary funds. "We now need to decide whether to continue with the original project, which is several years old, or whether to pursue an international competition and approach firms that have experience in preparing stadiums in Germany, England, and France," stated Mrázek.
    The Aktuálně.cz server, citing the mayor of Brno, Petr Vokřál (ANO), reported that even before the possible announcement of the competition, three European firms have already submitted their proposals to the city, one of which has built more than two dozen stadiums worldwide. One of the potential candidates has even prepared a visualization of the new facility. The new stadium is expected to accommodate approximately 23,000 visitors, the server writes.
    According to Mrázek, the decision between continuing the original project and holding a competition for a new stadium will take weeks, at most months. "We are not only deciding about the stadium itself, but we also need to consider the surrounding infrastructure and what to do with the stadium to cover operating costs. However, we definitely want to return football to where it belongs," emphasized Mrázek.
    He stated that the city has verified that the traffic situation could be managed with the construction of a new stadium. "After selecting one of the options, we will be dealing with the necessary formalities next year, such as obtaining a building permit, and so on. We also want to apply for funding from the European Union, the state, and also from the European football association," said Mrázek.
    If everything goes smoothly, construction could begin in 2017 or 2018. However, Mrázek did not want to estimate the completion date. The stadium could start operating in the early 2020s.
    Švancara was the impetus for the city to take action regarding the dilapidated stadium. He wanted to bid farewell at Za Lužánkami, where he started his career. He called on companies and volunteers to join him in the renovation efforts. At the end of June, more people attended the farewell than the stadium can accommodate. Police had to intervene on-site. Švancara stated that he does not want the stadium to remain unused and is therefore thinking of other events to organize there.
    The city wants to offer the stadium for events until the reconstruction begins. "We want to rent it or lend it to entities that can use it for some sporting or cultural activities. Of course, it is necessary to respect all safety considerations," Mayor Vokřál said earlier. He added that the city will initiate the demolition of the most dangerous part of the facility and will gradually prepare to begin construction of the new stadium.