Znojmo started the reconstruction of the football stadium for 47 million

Znojmo - Znojmo today, with almost a year delay, began the reconstruction of the football stadium costing 47 million crowns, although the footballers have been relegated to the second highest league after a year in the first league. The capacity will be around 2600 seated places, and the stadium will serve not only for football but also for athletics. The city will cover 85% of the costs through a grant from the Ministry of Education, it will contribute 5.5 million from its own funds, and the region will pay 1.5 million, said mayor Vlastimil Gabrhel (CSSD) at a press conference today.
    The reconstruction is to be completed in just under two months, at the end of September. The stands, the boiler room will undergo transformation, and new artificial lighting will be installed. Given the footballers' relegation, there will be no heated grass pitch laid for now; however, the city is considering it in the future in cooperation with the Football Association of the Czech Republic and the club.
    "The main goal is to transform the dilapidated stadium, which hasn’t seen proper investment for 60 years, into a small but modern multifunctional arena that meets the current requirements of athletes and spectators," stated the mayor. After reconstruction, some international matches may be held at the stadium, and the city will be able to apply for hosting significant athletic competitions.
    The three-story building of the main stand will undergo the largest modifications. Locker rooms and spaces for anti-doping control, mixed zone, media spaces, and a television studio will be created. New VIP areas will also be established.
    The stadium will also meet safety requirements. "On the third above-ground floor of the stand, there will be a control room where the safety control elements for the stadium will be located," said Gabrhel.
    The main stand will have 974 covered seating places, 1400 seats will be in the stand behind the goal, and a sector for guests with 225 places will be created opposite the main stand.
    Discussions about the reconstruction of the stadium began last year at the end of the second league season when 1. SC Znojmo footballers were promoted to the first league. They received an exception from the association for one season; otherwise, they would not have been able to play in the first league at the old stadium. However, discussions about the grants prolonged for the entire year, which is why reconstruction has only started now; in the meantime, the footballers have been relegated back to the second league. According to previous statements from club chief Ota Kohoutek, they are not focusing on an immediate return.