The multifunctional hall near the O2 Arena is expected to be completed by mid-2019

Prague - The multifunctional hall connected to the Prague O2 arena is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2019. The rough construction, which has stood next to the arena since 2004, will be continued by the companies Metrostav and Syner. Radek Stavěl, spokesperson for Bestsport, the owner and operator of the hall, communicated this to ČTK today. Bestsport has not disclosed the estimated cost of the construction; ČTK is inquiring about a statement from Metrostav.

The complex, which is adjacent to the O2 arena on its southern side, covers nearly 50,000 square meters over four floors. The total area is roughly equivalent to the size of Wenceslas Square in Prague. After completion, it will have up to 24 halls of various sizes and will serve as a modern multifunctional center for hosting international conferences and corporate events. The largest hall, with a capacity of 4,500 people, will also be used as a space for medium-sized concerts and sporting events.

"The O2 arena has proven its ability to host the largest world music and sporting events over the last six years of operation. Now we want to make better use of our experience and bring events to Prague that organizers would like to place here, but are skipping our capital due to a lack of suitable space," said Robert Schaffer, director of Bestsport.

Thanks to the possibility of connecting the newly constructed complex with the O2 arena, according to Schaffer, a space for up to 30,000 visitors will be created, with sufficient exhibition space, restaurants of all categories, and great possibilities for any arrangement of the space according to the client's wishes. The O2 arena currently has a maximum capacity of about 18,000 seats.

The multifunctional complex is also referred to as a small arena. The rough construction was built at the same time as the O2 arena, namely between 2003 and 2004, before the world ice hockey championship. The original intention was to have a hockey training area next to the O2 arena, including other areas for sports and commercial use. However, the construction of the hall was halted in 2004, and the rough structure has been preserved in its current state since then.