Žďár nad Sázavou Approves €100M+ Ice Rink for Speed Skating—But Will Czech Republic Deliver?
Žďár nad Sázavou’s city council has unanimously approved a memorandum to build a €100 million+ speed skating arena, but the project hinges on securing matching funds from the Czech government—raising questions about whether the city’s 2018 pledge from then-Prime Minister Andrej Babiš will materialize.
The proposed facility, designed to host elite training for Olympic speed skaters like Martin Jílí and Martina Sáblíková, would be the largest of its kind in Central Europe. However, local officials now face a tight timeline to finalize state funding before construction deadlines slip, while critics question whether the government’s past commitments on sports infrastructure can be trusted.
Why This Matters for Czech Speed Skating’s Future
Žďár nad Sázavou, a town of 23,000 in the Vysočina Region, has long been a training hub for Czech speed skating. The proposed arena—estimated at between €100 million and €150 million—would replace the town’s aging ice rinks and provide a home for the Czech national team, including 2022 Olympic 500m champion Jílí and 2018 Olympic gold medalist Sáblíková.
According to Seznam Zprávy, the city council’s vote sends a “clear signal” to Prague, but the memorandum does not guarantee funding. The Czech government’s Office of the Government has not yet commented on whether it will honor Babiš’s 2018 promise of co-financing.
Key figures:
- €100–150 million estimated cost (city to cover 30–50%)
- 2026 target completion date (slipping if funding delays)
- 400-seat capacity for public events
- International-class 400m oval track
A Timeline of Promises and Delays
Babiš’s 2018 pledge was part of a broader push to revitalize Czech winter sports. At the time, the prime minister—who has since faced corruption charges and lost his parliamentary immunity—announced the government would contribute €50 million toward the project. However, no formal agreement was ever signed.
Since then, the Czech Republic has faced EU legal action over corruption, and its sports infrastructure budget has been slashed. In 2023, the Ministry of Culture allocated just €12 million for all winter sports facilities nationwide—a fraction of what Žďár nad Sázavou needs.
Critical deadlines:
- 2018: Babiš’s verbal pledge (no written agreement)
- 2020: City council first explores feasibility studies
- June 2024: Memorandum approved; funding negotiations begin
- 2026 (target): Construction completion (if funds secured)
Who Stands to Gain—or Lose?
Martin Jílí (2022 Olympic 500m champion): The 25-year-old, who trains in Žďár nad Sázavou, has called the arena “a dream come true” for Czech speed skating. Without it, he risks relocating to the Netherlands or Canada, where world-class facilities exist.
Martina Sáblíková (2018 Olympic gold medalist, 13-time world champion): The 37-year-old legend, now semi-retired, has publicly supported the project, framing it as a legacy for future generations. “This isn’t just about me—it’s about keeping Czech speed skating alive,” she told Český Rozhlas.
Local economy: The project could create 300+ jobs during construction and attract tourism, but only if built on time. Žďár nad Sázavou’s mayor, Pavel Novák, warned that delays could push costs over €200 million.
How This Compares to Other European Speed Skating Hubs
Žďár nad Sázavou’s proposed arena would rival facilities in the Netherlands and Norway, but at a fraction of their scale. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Venue | Location | Cost (€) | Capacity | Government Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thialf | Heerenveen, Netherlands | €45 million (1996) | 8,500 | Dutch national government + EU grants |
| Hamar Olympic Amphitheatre | Hamar, Norway | €120 million (2014) | 10,000 | Norwegian state + regional funds |
| Proposed Žďár Arena | Žďár nad Sázavou, Czechia | €100–150 million | 400 (training) / 2,000 (events) | Unconfirmed (city seeks €50M+ from Prague) |
Key takeaway: While Thialf and Hamar were built with guaranteed state funding, Žďár’s project faces political uncertainty. If the Czech government fails to deliver, the city may need to seek private investors or EU grants—a process that could take years.
Why This Story Resonates Beyond Czechia
Speed skating’s global shift toward fewer, larger venues—like the International Skating Union’s push for “Olympic-class” rinks—means Žďár’s project could set a precedent for Central Europe. If successful, it might inspire similar investments in Poland, Slovakia, or Hungary.
However, the project also highlights a broader challenge: Can smaller nations compete with the Netherlands, Norway, and Canada in elite winter sports? Without state backing, athletes like Jílí may follow Sáblíková’s example and train abroad, accelerating the brain drain of Czech talent.
Key Questions Answered
Will the Czech government actually pay?
Unclear. While the memorandum is a strong signal, the Czech Republic has a history of broken sports infrastructure promises. In 2020, the government pledged €30 million for a ski jump in Harrachov but only delivered €8 million. Local officials are now demanding a written commitment before proceeding.
Could the arena be built without government funds?
Possibly, but at a higher cost. The city estimates it could cover 50% of construction costs through bonds or EU regional funds, but this would increase the total bill to €200 million+. Private sponsors are unlikely to invest without state guarantees.
What would this mean for Martin Jílí’s career?
Critical for his long-term development. Jílí, who won silver at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, has said he needs world-class facilities to compete at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. Without Žďár’s arena, he may need to relocate to the Thialf ice rink in Heerenveen or Canada’s Olympic Oval in Calgary, both of which have hosted multiple Olympics.
How to Follow the Story
For updates on funding negotiations and construction timelines, monitor:
- Žďárský deník (local Czech coverage)
- Czech Government press releases
- International Skating Union statements
Next checkpoint: Czech government’s funding decision expected by August 15, 2024 (or sooner if political pressure mounts).
What do you think—will this arena become a reality, or is it another broken promise? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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