A new arena is coming to Czech Republic. Arena Brno is being constructed by Veletrhy Brno (also known as Brno Exhibition Centre – BVV), and will be housed within the exhibition venue itself.
The 13,300-capacity arena will be Czech Republic’s second-largest event venue, designed for both major sporting championships and world-class concerts. The facility combines modern technology with versatile spaces, including restaurants, bars, offices, and 1,300 parking spaces.
Construction began in September 2023, with completion scheduled for summer 2026. The arena aims to host its first high-profile concert during opening celebrations.
Veletrhy Brno is both a venue operator and event organiser. The company operates the Brno Exhibition Centre’s 15 exhibition halls and 667,000sqm site, while also organising major trade shows like the International Engineering Fair (MSV Brno) – an event that has run since 1958. Located near Brno’s exhibition grounds, positioned between pavilions F and G1 at the Brno Exhibition Centre. The venue sits adjacent to the existing trade fair infrastructure in the Czech Republic’s second-largest city.
Brno Exhibitions Centre (BVV), Czech Republic
Why is Czech Republic building the arena?
Brno has long lacked a venue capable of accommodating world-class performances and major sporting events. The arena addresses this gap while supporting the city’s growing demand for large-scale venues.
It appears that the venue is primarily designed for sporting events and concerts rather than traditional business events. It is possible that those functions will remain with the existing Brno Exhibition Centre facilities, in which the arena is located. For example, the facility will serve as home to ice hockey team Kometa Brno and host events for Oktagon MMA organisation. Major sporting commitments include the 2026 European Women’s Handball Championship, European Women’s Volleyball Championship and the 2031 Women’s Handball World Championship.
Construction is advancing steadily. Three of six planned floors are already complete, with the project representing one of Brno’s largest strategic investments. The total construction cost is estimated at CZK 4.24bn (approximately €170m), with additional outfitting expenses bringing the total to CZK 4.84bn. This positions the arena as a significant economic driver for the region.
The venue’s design emphasises multifunctional capabilities. Its interchangeable configurations will accommodate handball, hockey, tennis, volleyball, basketball and boxing. The facility also features a semi-structural glass facade allowing natural light into commercial spaces, ensuring year-round utilisation. Two large projection screens on the building’s perimeter will display event content and advertising, while the venue’s lighting system has the ability to change colours.
Authorities have expressed optimism about the arena’s impact on Brno. One official stated that the arena “will meet the growing demand for large-scale venues in the region”. The venue aims to attract international performers who previously bypassed the city due to inadequate facilities.
Meanwhile, the smaller Jihlava Multipurpose Arena (5,600-capacity) nears completion in central Czech Republic, designed by CHYBIK + KRISTOF architects. That €30m project, featuring distinctive red concrete tribunes, is another major addition to the country’s event infrastructure.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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