A new soccer stadium could be built in Brno on the site of the current velodrome

Brno - A new football stadium could be built in Brno on the site of the current velodrome in the exhibition grounds. The Office of the Architect of the City of Brno (KAM) examined possible locations for its construction. The current velodrome emerged as the most advantageous option. The city leadership also agreed on this with representatives of both football and cycling, for whom a new oval combined with an athletic hall would be created, said Mayor Markéta Vaňková (ODS) to journalists today. The stadium behind Lužánky will need to be demolished, as indicated by the survey.

"In recent years, we have been trying to bring more sports infrastructure to Brno. In the coming weeks, we will open a new swimming pool, we have started the construction of a new hall for ball sports and also a multifunctional hall. However, we feel that we still have overdue tasks for other sports. There is a lack of a modern football stadium, an athletic hall, and a velodrome. That is why we had a verification conducted to identify where these buildings could be located. It emerged that the location of the football stadium would be optimal at the current velodrome," Vaňková stated.

KAM examined nine identified locations on city land that most closely match the proposal of the new master plan. Several factors influenced the decision to choose the current velodrome. "Thanks to the neighboring multifunctional hall, the construction of which has begun, it will be possible to use the developed and expanding infrastructure. The location is accessible by public transport and the capacity for individual car transport, including parking, is adequate. The location is near the city center, yet outside of populated areas," added sports councilor Tomáš Aberl (TOP 09).

The plan is also supported by both cycling clubs in Brno, namely Favorit Brno and Dukla Brno, which have facilities at the velodrome. A new velodrome could be created for them, which would also serve as an athletic hall. Its location is being considered near the swimming stadium Lužánky.

The city is now preparing an investment plan and wants to obtain a building permit within the next three years. The design of each of the envisaged stadiums should emerge from an architectural competition; however, further details or estimated costs are not yet known. According to Vaňková, despite the construction of a multifunctional hall that could cost almost six billion crowns, these are not unrealistic investments for the city budget.

Experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Brno University of Technology (VUT) assessed the condition of the football complex behind Lužánky. The survey showed overall material degradation of the reinforced concrete structures and significant irreversible damage in critical areas and details. The concrete is losing its strength parameters, and this process cannot be stopped.

"Structural calculations have demonstrated insufficient mechanical resistance of the structural elements and units. Given the serious findings, any considerations about rehabilitation, additional static securing, and revitalization are financially ineffective. Moreover, the existing stadium must be removed, and we do not have much time. The structure poses a risk to the health and lives of people in certain areas," said Pavel Schmid from VUT.

According to councilor Aberl, further steps will be known by mid-October. "The assessment is ruthless. The stadium is starting to become dangerous, and its demolition awaits us in the near future. It is important to demolish the western stand, which is in a critical state; however, exactly how we will proceed is not clear yet," he said. Vaňková noted that only the most dangerous part may be demolished. The future of the entire area will be further addressed by the city. A study will be commissioned, and based on that, it will be determined what could be built there.

"I understand that the original intention to preserve football at Lužánky is practically impossible due to all the complications. I welcome the city's effort to build where it is feasible," added former football player Petr Švancara, who had been advocating for the preservation of the stadium.