Bazaly Stadion – historical stadium description

In early 1950s it became clear that Banik needs a new stadium. Stadion stará střelnice was already dated and location for a new one was selected based primarily on the plot being east of Ostravice River, in the Silesian part of Ostrava (east).

The stadium was built in a unique location, incorporated into naturally sloped land on three sides. Although there was a lot of ground works to do, some 135,000 cubic meters of soil had to be moved to form the crescent surrounding the field from the south, east and north. High rows of the east stand offered a great view of the city.

Thanks to a rather simple structure, the stadium was opened in short time, in spring 1959. Its initial configuration offered room for 30,000 people. Sell-outs weren’t common, but happened on many occasions, making Banik one of the most-supported teams throughout the country.

As time went by, the unique location (with one of main roads surrounding the stadium) became a burden. Complete reconstruction was either unfeasible or too challenging. Gradual renovations allowed further use in early 21st century, but those were the last years.

In 2000 the Czech national team played their only game at Bazaly and afterwards meeting UEFA standards was very difficult, then impossible. From 2011/12 the stadium was even unfit for domestic games, but remained in use as an exemption until 2015.

On May 30, 2015 the stadium saw its last Banik game, ending 56 years of service. In 2016 it was scheduled for demolition. Eventually the works were carried out only in 2018. The stadium is being replaced by a new football academy.