Budvar Arena is the longest continuously operating winter stadium in the Czech Republic

Prague - The České Budějovice Budvar arena is the longest continuously operating ice rink in the Czech Republic. It was opened on October 27, 1946, as only the third ice rink with artificial ice surface in the country, after Prague and Bratislava. In 1967, the rink received a roof, and 12 years later, a second ice surface.

Currently, the hall, which is owned by the city, is the home venue for the hockey players of HC Motor České Budějovice. In addition, it serves for public skating, figure skating, ball sports, inline skating, and also for cultural events, such as concerts. The arena, which has a capacity of 6421 spectators, has previously hosted significant international sporting events, such as the Men's Volleyball World Championship in 1966 and the Under-18 Ice Hockey World Championship in 2005.

From 2000 to 2002, the multifunctional ice rink underwent a complete renovation, with costs reaching 273 million crowns. Shortly before completion, in August 2002, the arena was severely affected by floods, with water reaching the ice surface up to 1.9 meters.