Pardubice is looking to open biggest hockey arena in the world by 2027
Pardubice hockey players are expected to have a new home within less than three years. The new multifunctional arena being built is expected to be the largest in the world.
At the beginning of October, Club's majority owner, Petr Dědek, presented his project to the city councilors. The hall is 60 metres high, has a large parking lot, a training area, and a hotel. Its capacity is at nearly 22,300 spectators, which would make it the largest hall in the world.
Mr. Dědek with what the ten and a half billion crowns investment can bring to the team’s motivation:
"It's a motivation for the players and for the fans. I think Hockeytown deserves it. We are on track to open in August 2027."
Preparations for the project have continued in recent days. Some of the players, like Lukáš Radil, were even able to see it. Radil with more:
“It looks fantastic. What is there to say? It’s unbelievable. It's supposed to open in August 2027, so that's a bit sad for our age bracket, but who knows?”
Two notable guests arrived in Pardubice from the United States to provide some advice on its construction: Bob Black, who was involved in the development of Rogers Place, the hockey arena in Edmonton, and Aleš Hemský, who played 845 games in the NHL and has firsthand experience with arenas and locker rooms.
"I gave advice about the booth the most because I know what the booth is like in Edmonton, one of the best rinks in the world. I go to those rinks, I know how people go there, where they spend a lot of time. But it was more around that booth."
Mr. Dědek's plans also extend to having the best equipment available.
“It should be state-of-the-art in terms of technology for the time of construction, but we are also trying to make it the best ecologically. We'll keep an eye on what's going on in the world and we'll try to implement it with modern day technology.”
Aleš Hemský had to end his career early, but despite knowing he won’t play a game in the new arena, he believes that such a facility will be significant not only for the city but also for the entire region and country.
“I think it will be incredible for the whole of East Bohemia and the Czech Republic. Concerts will also bring a lot of people to the region. People won't have to go to Vienna or anywhere else, but they will come here."
The opening date of the new arena is scheduled to open in August 2027.
