#TDS24 Preview: An arena icon for Jihlava

We’re excited to announce that Ondrej Chybik, Founding Partner of Chybik + Kristof Architects & Urban Designers, will be joining TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit #TDS24 to showcase the highly anticipated Jihlava Multipurpose Arena.

In the autumn of 2023, construction of the €80m Jihlava Multipurpose Arena officially began. The project will transform the site of the city’s aging hockey stadium into a vibrant, four-building complex. This expanded venue will include a multifunctional hall with an ice rink, a rooftop running track, a gym, a sports academy, and dedicated spaces for hospitality and retail. Designed to host both sports and cultural events, the arena will serve as a lively public hub, inviting diverse audiences to engage in a wide range of activities and breathe new life into this part of the city.

The arena’s multipurpose design supports a variety of events, with ice hockey at its core, while also accommodating other sports, concerts, and exhibitions. It features flexible configurations of the seating areas to host up to 7,500 spectators. Beyond the main event spaces, it offers diverse amenities, including a sports academy, a rooftop running track, gym facilities, and food and retail outlets—all aimed at creating a dynamic, multifunctional hub.

Uniquely situated at the edge of Jihlava’s historic city center, this arena redefines the concept of urban placement by integrating seamlessly into the city’s core. Bordering a park and university, it allows an uninterrupted flow of people between these spaces, blurring boundaries and connecting with the existing landscape.

With public areas woven throughout its four-building design, this “urban stadium” isn’t a standalone structure but an extension of the city itself. It is designed as a lively, everyday destination – a true urban hub for sports, culture, and community life. It invites athletes, arena visitors, academy students, university attendees, and the public alike to engage, gather, and make it a part of their daily lives.

This arena also places a strong emphasis on accessibility. Located adjacent to a pedestrian-friendly cultural cluster and linked to nearby parks, it blends seamlessly with Jihlava’s green spaces, fostering a walkable, community-centric environment. Efficient energy systems are core to the project, aligning with CHYBIK + KRISTOF’s commitment to sustainable architecture. 

With its cutting-edge design and transformative urban approach, this project promises to redefine the modern arena experience and set a new standard for multi-use public spaces in the heart of Europe.

See who else will be joining us to explore next-gen spaces for sports and entertainment at #TDS24 here.

Explore the future of stadium design with Ondřej and hundreds of other venue sector leaders, exclusively at #TDS24 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester on December 2-4.