The costs for the construction of the multifunctional hall near O2 Arena are 1.2 billion CZK

Prague - The costs of constructing a multifunctional and congress center connected to Prague's O2 Arena will reach 1.2 billion crowns. The center, named O2 Universum, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2019. This was stated at a press conference today by Robert Schaffer, the CEO of Bestsport, which owns and operates the arena. Last October, construction companies Metrostav and Syner began work on the rough structure, which has stood beside the arena since 2004.

“The O2 Arena has demonstrated its ability to successfully host the largest world music and sports events during its operation. At the same time, we realized that we have a vast space directly within the facility that is not being utilized effectively,” said Schaffer. “In the second half of 2015, we began to seriously consider the reconstruction, and the decision was made to complete the small arena,” he added.

The new complex, which will connect to the south side of the O2 Arena, will have an area of nearly 50,000 square meters across four floors. Once completed, it will have up to 21 halls of various sizes with a total capacity of 10,000 visitors. The largest hall with a capacity of 4,500 people will also be used as a space for hosting medium-sized concerts and sports matches. The stands will be retractable, and a hall height of 12.5 meters will allow for hosting tennis, basketball, floorball, or volleyball matches.

According to Schaffer, O2 Universum should primarily serve for hosting large international congresses and corporate events, such as Christmas parties. “O2 Universum will, upon completion, be a space for international congresses that has not existed in the Czech Republic to date. Thanks to the possibility of connecting the newly constructed complex with the existing O2 Arena on all four planned floors, we will gain space for up to 28,000 visitors. Additionally, there will be ample exhibition space, restaurants of all categories, and nearly unlimited options for any arrangement of the space according to the client's wishes,” said Schaffer.

The rough structure of the “small arena” was built at the same time as the O2 Arena, from 2003 to 2004, ahead of the World Ice Hockey Championship. The initial intention was to have a hockey training area alongside the O2 Arena, including other areas for sports and commercial use. However, construction of the hall was halted in 2004, and the rough structure has been preserved since then. The space has only been used for storage purposes.

Just like the O2 Arena, the new O2 Universum center was designed by the company ATIP - architects Martin and Vladimír Vokatý. Reconstruction of the facility began in October 2017. Most of the demolition work is now complete, and new construction has begun. On the eastern side of the O2 Arena, a hotel with a capacity of 300 rooms will also be built, which will be connected to the arena. Its construction is expected to start in the spring of 2019, and according to Schaffer, it already has zoning approval. It is expected to open in 2020.