Vítkovice Aréna – stadium description

The stadium in Vitkovice (industrial district south of central Ostrava) was opened in the summer of 1938 and has since been the heart of local athletics. Well known event held here is the Zlatá Tretra (Golden Spike) meeting.

Also football has its long-lasting place here, first thanks to FC Vitkovice (later MFK Vitkovice), then – on occasions – also Banik. The latter team moved in permanently ahead of the 2015/16 season. Relocation was possible thanks to major overhaul covering the entire stadium.

Thorough redevelopment began in the summer of 2012, seeing the 10,000-capacity terracing (north/east/south) razed to the ground. First phase consisted of new east stand (5,020) and secondary free-standing buildings in the east and south (main gate) and was delivered in May 2013.

After a break, new south and north curves were added, enclosing the stadium and making it the best venue in Czech Republic with a running track. Works were to be carried out by Sept 2015, but the stadium was ready for use in May.

Initially the cost was estimated to reach CZK 936 million, but eventual tender offers proved more affordable and allowed to significantly lower costs. The city of Ostrava financed most of contracted works, receiving some 100 million in subsidies.