Hluboká nad Vltavou has begun construction of an ice rink for 330 million crowns

Hluboká nad Vltavou - Hluboká nad Vltavou in the Českobudějovice area today started construction of an ice hockey stadium. The construction, which will replace the open ice rink, will cost 330 million crowns, making it the largest investment in the city's history. Hluboká has received a grant of 120 million crowns from the National Sports Agency. It will serve the public, schools, hockey teams, and figure skaters of all ages and skill levels. The demolition of the old open rink will begin on Monday, February 9. The new stadium is expected to be operational by the end of 2027, city representatives told journalists.

"The new stadium will be in operation year-round; the original was only in operation for two to three months a year," said the city's councillor for sports and leisure, David Šťastný (Together for Hluboká). The city expects that the construction will also expand its tourism offerings. Hockey tournaments, corporate events, and sports training camps can be held on the new ice surface.

The new stadium will feature eight dressing rooms for teams and one for the public, a gym, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a lounge, along with seating for over 300 spectators. The multifunctional space will also be suitable for corporate and social events. The building will be energy-efficient. There will be a parking lot for 100 cars at the stadium.

The project, which is the most significant investment in the city's history, was prepared by Hluboká for five years. "Thanks to a combination of municipal, state, and partnership funds, we managed to prepare the project to be financially sustainable and to provide top facilities for future generations," stated the mayor of the city, Tomáš Jirsa (ODS). He noted that the history of skating in Hluboká nad Vltavou goes back 100 years.

The sports complex by the Vltava River, where the current open ice surface is located, will be built by the winners of the tender, Aübeck in collaboration with the company Syner, which has already built several ice rinks in the Czech Republic. The open rink has been operational for three months, and its operation was economically unfeasible for the city.

On Saturday, February 7, a farewell event for the original KUKI arena will take place. Visitors can look forward to an exhibition match, motorcycles on ice, a light and fire show, and a symbolic extinguishing of the ice.