The new, multifunctional arena in Jihlava, Czech Republic, has a seating capacity of 5,650 and can accommodate crowds for various events beyond ice hockey, transforming into a venue for concerts, large-scale events, exhibitions, and cultural festivals.

The arena’s adaptability and multi-functionality are reflective of Jihlava’s reputation as a city of culture, and home to renowned international documentary film festivals.

The architecture of Jihlava arena is sensitively embedded in its surroundings. Focal and expansive public spaces weave between four built structures.

A large stepped plaza at the heart of the scheme facing the local university building introduces an inviting meeting place for students and neighbours alike.

Two existing buildings accommodate an office and secondary ice field, while two are newly designed – the arena and a mixed-use facility.

This new building, at the corner of the complex, has diverse functions: a club shop, Hall of Fame, accommodation, pub, gym and sports hall. It offers sweeping panoramic views of Jihlava and access to the running track which has been realized on the rooftop of the arena. Guaranteeing a long life span and adaptable future for the site, modular and flexible design principles are embedded from the ground up.

Material choices, and the stadium’s statement red, refer to the region’s heritage architecture. The arena’s striking facade combines angular geometry with a crown-like roof to cement the building as a prominent urban landmark. Staggered seating, or tribunes, made from uniquely prefabricated, curved red-pigmented concrete, shape the arena’s distinguished sense of identity while doubling as a navigational guide – visible from all key public areas, locker rooms, and even the exterior, the colour red always marks the route to the rink at the venue’s core.

For Jihlava arena, collaboration with artists, craftspeople and creatives of all disciplines has been focal to the conception and delivery of the scheme since the start. Characterful stadium seating is designed in partnership with mmcité while BOMMA has crafted custom integrated lighting within the brickwork of inner public spaces. Four large-scale light installations in food and beverage areas, will reference the industrial and cultural heritage of the Czech region. Revitalisation of the neighbouring park will be delivered by long-time CH+K collaborator, landscape architect Zdeněk Sendler.

The primary investor in the new arena is the City of Jihlava, with additional funding provided by the Vysočina Region and the state. On completion later this year the stadium will be managed by an independent organisation.

From top: left, general plan; perspective view of the complete volumes and uncovered volumes;
a section of the entire complex.