On the outskirts of Plzeň, the construction of a municipal athletics stadium is starting

Plzeň - Construction of a new athletic stadium is starting in the Plzeň district of Skvrňany, which will be completed in 2013. The city is investing 67 million korunas in the athletes' stadium, which is relocating from the center to the outskirts of Plzeň, from the area in Štruncovy sady, where the city football stadium of FC Viktoria Plzeň is currently being renovated, and the running track will no longer be separated from the stands. Builders today received the land for construction from the city, said Zdeňka Kubalová, a spokesperson for the city hall.
      In the first phase, costing just under 23 million korunas, an oval with eight lanes and indoor areas for other disciplines will be created. The second and third phases include a grandstand with facilities, a tunnel for winter training, and parking.
      Originally, the running oval was to be completed this month. "The tender took place within the set timeline, but one of the unsuccessful applicants appealed. This delayed the start of construction," explained Deputy Mayor Petr Rund (ODS). According to him, the oval is a key construction for the city and the athletes, and therefore the schedule has been adjusted so that, weather permitting, it will be completed by the end of October. It will have the parameters of the international athletic federation. "A length of 400 meters, a radius of 36.5 meters, eight tartan lanes. There will be sectors for long jumpers, pole vaulters, high jumpers, discus throwers, hammer throwers, or javelin throwers on the inner grassy area," added Rund.
      Construction of the grandstand with a capacity of 1,400 spectators is set to begin next year. Inside, there will be locker rooms, a gym, and recovery facilities. The second phase will also include a 120-meter long tunnel that will allow athletes to train in winter.
      Until May, Plzeň athletes used the stadium in Štruncovy sady. After the start of its renovation to a purely football venue, they began training on the field of the 33rd elementary school in Skvrňany.