A £66.8million avant-garde multi-purpose stadium, featuring a 230-metre public rooftop running track, has officially opened.
The spectacular Horacka Multifunctional Arena in Jihlava, Czech Republic will be the home of local ice hockey team HC Dukla.
The rooftop track is now in testing and public access is expected soon, highlighting a growing trend of sports infrastructure blending in with community spaces.
Designed by architect Chybik + Kristof (CH+K), it is the largest sports and cultural building in modern history of the Vysocina Region.
It took just two years to build the new mega facility, constructed on the site of the original ice hockey stadium which served the city for 68 years.
The arena has a capacity of 5,581 seats and can be increased to 7,416 for concerts.
Besides the stunning rooftop running track, the complex also houses a brewery, fitness centre, fan shop and food service outlets.
Project Manager Josef Prokes said: “Construction was extremely demanding both technically and logistically.
“From precise coordination of dozens of trades in a tight urban environment to phased installations linked to the commissioning of technologies.
“One interesting feature is the use of waste heat and excess cold from ice surface cooling for water heating, underfloor heating, or cooling of interior spaces via air handling systems.”
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There is also an accommodation facility in the corner building which can house sports teams and tournament participants for bigger events.
Public reaction has been positive towards the rooftop running track.
One fan commented: “That’s genius. Way better on the roof than around the pitch.”
Other notable rooftop running tracks include the Osaka Air Track in Japan and White Collar Factory in Old Street, London.
