České Budějovice Propose Speed Skating Stadium as Alternative to Žďár nad Sázavou

Representatives of the South Bohemian Region and national sports federations met on Tuesday to discuss a new proposal: building a covered speed skating stadium in České Budějovice. According to Regional Governor Martin Kuba (Naše Čechy movement), the facility could be up and running within five years as part of a larger sports complex in the Sloužtě area.

The meeting was also attended by Ondřej Jílek, a representative of the Czech Speed Skating Union and father of the country's most decorated speed skater. Kuba said he has already briefed the prime minister and the minister of sport on the project. He described locating the stadium in České Budějovice as "the most realistic, sensible and cost-effective solution," both in terms of construction and future operating costs.

Competition from Žďár nad Sázavou

The governor noted that a similar project is being developed in parallel in the Vysočina Region, in Žďár nad Sázavou, where Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has already met with local officials and where town councillors have signed a memorandum of intent. Kuba, however, voiced concern that the future of the Žďár project remains uncertain and could end up disappointing speed skaters yet again.

"We're at a point where, with genuine cooperation, the entire complex, including the stadium, could be built within five years. But if preparations begin now without this stadium, there will be no going back to this option later," Kuba said.

Athletes and the Prime Minister Weigh In

Ondřej Jílek, who is coordinating the talks on behalf of the Czech Speed Skating Union, said he is not pushing specifically for the Žďár project. "Our priority has always been to get a stadium built as soon as possible. That's why we support whichever project delivers it," he explained.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš confirmed that talks with Governor Kuba are ongoing and will continue. He said two options are currently on the table: Žďár nad Sázavou, where the region has already prepared a feasibility study and which he personally visited alongside coach Petr Novák, and České Budějovice. According to Babiš, the final decision should rest with the speed skaters themselves, with funding also set to be a decisive factor.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz