The complete reconstruction of the Athletic Stadium in Karlovy Vary was ceremoniously completed today. The city invested CZK 45.7 million (excluding VAT) into the renovation, with a significant portion of the costs, CZK 32 million, covered by a grant from the National Sports Agency. For the renovation of the central sports facility in Tuhnice, Karlovy Vary chose the Design & Build method. The contractor was Sport Construction, a.s.
"I am pleased that the result of the reconstruction is a truly high-quality sports facility. Nearly 900 athletes are associated with two clubs in Karlovy Vary. Among them are hundreds of enthusiastic children, many coaches who dedicate their free time to them, and a number of talents who have managed to win medals at national championships despite the field conditions they prepared in during the reconstruction. After months on the field, in stadiums in neighboring towns, and on the playgrounds of our schools where they found temporary refuge, we can now provide them with a quality space for training. And not just for athletes, as other sports clubs will also be able to use the stadium for their training sessions," said Mayor Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová at the ceremonial completion of the reconstruction.
The reconstruction of the Athletic Stadium in Karlovy Vary focused mainly on the sports ground area. The city's goal was to expand the athletic oval, build new sectors for athletic disciplines, and revitalize the inner grass field. "We expanded the oval from the original six lanes to eight, with nine lanes in the home stretch, which, by the way, even the largest athletic stadium in the country in Ostrava cannot boast of. The surface materials used were from a leading supplier of artificial surfaces for athletic tracks and sports facilities. The surfaces are certified according to international standards, including certification from World Athletics. Our facility thus meets strict criteria for hosting national-level competitions. To further improve the comfort of athletes and spectators, we are preparing to repair the announcer's booth, build new sanitary facilities in the area, and carry out basic repairs to the main grandstand," said Deputy Mayor for City Property Management Miroslav Vaněk.
Work on the stadium's reconstruction began in November 2022. After complications discovered during the construction, which were due to poorly executed reconstruction in 2004, the scope of work was adjusted and the completion deadline extended.
The surface consists of 133 tons of specially selected and certified materials. The oval area is more than 4,500 square meters. New sectors for technical disciplines were built on approximately 3,000 meters. On both sides of the straightaways are sectors for long jump; in the northern part (near the main entrance), new sectors were created for pole vault, javelin throw, and shot put. In the southern part, there are sectors for high jump and discus and hammer throw. Covered benches were newly installed in the stadium.
In addition to the reconstruction, the area saw the demolition of unused buildings at a total cost of approximately CZK 3.5 million (including VAT) – a tower near one of the entrances and a bridge at the side gate were demolished. Two tanks were installed to serve as a water reservoir for irrigating the grassy area.
Press Release by the City Hall of Karlovy Vary
