Ostrava is set to bring football back to its historic Bazaly grounds with a brand-new stadium for Baník Ostrava, designed by the acclaimed L35 Arquitectos studio — the same team behind the renovation of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu.

The winning design emerged from an international architectural competition organized by the city of Ostrava. Construction of the stadium, with a budget of 2.5 billion Czech crowns (about €100 million), is expected to start in 2029 and finish by the end of 2030.

Mayor Jan Dohnal said the jury’s decision was unanimous. “The project offers a simple, compact, and elegant form that respects the site’s history while becoming a new landmark for Ostrava. It will serve not only football but also the wider public,” he explained.

L35 Arquitectos, a studio with nearly 60 years of experience and over 200 completed projects on four continents, will oversee the design. The firm’s portfolio includes large-scale projects such as the Bernabéu reconstruction and new stadiums in La Paz and Dubai.

The design jury — made up of international architects, city representatives, and Baník officials — was chaired by Irish architect Valerie Mulvin from Dublin. She praised the project’s balance between modern functionality and local identity.

The 20,000-seat arena will meet the highest standards of the UEFA category, allowing Ostrava to host international football matches. Plans also include a club museum, restaurants, and fan shops.

Baník Ostrava currently plays at the Municipal Stadium in Vítkovice, which it shares with athletics.

However, city officials say the facility is no longer adequate for modern football. “Expanding or adapting the Vítkovice stadium would require major investment and still wouldn’t meet current football and athletic needs,” Dohnal said.

Concerns Over the Bazaly Site

Not everyone supports the project. Some experts warn that the former Bazaly site in Silesian Ostrava poses challenges due to mining damage and underground gas leaks. The club played there from 1959 until 2015, when it moved to Vítkovice.

Despite concerns, city officials insist that the location remains viable and that all environmental and safety issues will be addressed before construction begins.

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