Jihlava's New Arena Blends Sports Venue with Public Space
CHYBIK + KRISTOF has completed a new 5,650-seat arena in Jihlava, Czechia, designed to remain embedded in the historic city center. The red aluminum-clad building features perforated panels for light and ventilation, and its triangular motifs reference local Gothic architecture. The arena includes interactive lighting and bespoke seating that also serves as acoustic treatment.
The project resolves a three-decade municipal debate over the aging 1950s ice rink, with the 2019 competition leading to a decision to keep the venue at its historic location rather than relocate. The arena's design deliberately prioritizes public accessibility, with its continuous wrap-around circulation space functioning as an informal gathering area and its rooftop running track open to schools and residents.
The auxiliary six-storey building extends the complex's utility beyond match days, housing hospitality, accommodation, and fitness facilities. With retractable seating capable of raising capacity to over 7,400, the venue accommodates concerts and conferences alongside hockey, while exposed steel trusses provide technical flexibility for varied events. The interactive façade lighting and five interior installations tie the building to local identity.
This project could serve as a model for how mid-sized European cities approach civic infrastructure, demonstrating that sports venues need not be relegated to outskirts. By embedding the arena within the historic centre and opening its amenities to daily public use, it may influence future urban planning decisions, encouraging developers and municipalities to consider mixed-use, accessible designs. Residents gain year-round facilities beyond match days, while the building's integration with pedestrian routes could strengthen local economic activity and community engagement.