First League Returns to Brno: Dozens of Police and Municipal Guards to Watch Over Zbrojovka vs. Sparta Match

Brno hosts its first match today marking the city's return to the Czech top football flight, as Zbrojovka takes on Prague's Sparta. Order at the stadium and its surroundings will be maintained by dozens of state police officers and around 70 municipal guards, according to the press offices of the South Moravian Region police and the Brno city police.

Police say the operation will involve not just standard patrols but also officers from the patrol, foreign and traffic police units, forensic specialists, members of an anti-conflict team, riot police, canine units and mounted officers. Police aviation may also be called in if needed.

Alongside Zbrojovka, Brno will be represented in the top league this season by another club, Artis Brno. Police have been preparing for the new season's kickoff for months, drawing on experience from previous years when Zbrojovka last competed at this level.

"Based on past experience, we've already identified the highest-risk matches — above all, games against opponents from Ostrava and Prague. These fixtures will receive particular attention in terms of security measures," said Petr Vala, spokesperson for the South Moravian Region police.

He noted that the team's return to the top league is expected to bring higher stadium attendance, larger crowds and heavier traffic around the venue and access roads. Police will therefore step up controls over public order, safety and traffic flow.

Fans are advised to use public transport to reach the stadium whenever possible, particularly for matches expecting large crowds. Those planning to drive are urged to leave early, check traffic updates, and follow police instructions and temporary road signs.

Around 70 municipal guards are also on duty around the stadium today, including patrol and traffic units, canine handlers and staff from eight Brno city police precincts.

"Our goal is to make sure fans and residents in the area around the stadium can move about safely and without unnecessary hassle. Guards will be ready to respond to any disturbances of public order and, if needed, help direct traffic in the vicinity of the stadium," said Pavel Čermák, first deputy director of the Brno city police.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by brnan.cz