Ostrava Presents Competition Architectural Designs for New Bazaly Stadium
Visitors will be able to view nine submitted architectural proposals, including a physical model of the winning design by the studio L35 Arquitectos, starting from 14 January 2026 for a period of one month.
The general public is warmly invited to attend the exhibition.
The exhibition is located in the city centre, in the Hall of the Municipal District of Moravská Ostrava and Přívoz, at Dr. E. Beneš Square. It is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends, with the final day on 15 February 2026. Admission is free of charge. In addition to presenting the competition designs themselves, the exhibition also introduces the broader context of the project’s development, which represents an important step in the growth of the City of Ostrava and its sports infrastructure.
“We are closing nearly two years of intensive preparations, which culminated last November with the selection of the winning architectural design for the iconic New Bazaly stadium by the renowned studio L35 Arquitectos, specialists in stadium design. The authors succeeded in integrating the project into the landscape, respecting the city’s industrial heritage, and proposed an iconic structure that connects a functional sports venue with maximised public space. Ostrava will thus gain an exceptional complex with supra-regional significance, built also for future generations. Moreover, this will be the first building by L35 Arquitectos to be exhibited in the Czech Republic, as it is the studio’s first project here in its nearly sixty-year history, with realizations across four continents. A wide range of experts worked intensively on the designs, and the public will now be able to familiarise themselves with all nine proposals from the international New Bazaly architectural competition,” said Jan Dohnal, Mayor of Ostrava.
In addition to the exhibition of the designs, an accompanying programme is planned, including discussions with the winning architects, legends of FC Baník Ostrava, and a sports historian.
Architectural studios represented at the exhibition:
Fenwick Iribarren Architects
gmp International GmbH
Populous Limited
JKMM and SADAR+VUGA
Zaha Hadid Limited
IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture
Querkraft architekten zt gmbh and RAUM+/RAUMKUNST ZT GmbH
Studio Perspektiv and OFIS Architects
L35 Arquitectos (winning design)
High-quality architecture is a key priority for Ostrava. The city has long pursued the construction of outstanding architectural works that transform its identity and therefore regularly initiates architectural competitions. Thirty applicants—experts and architects from around the world—entered the international New Bazaly competition. The competition was announced in December 2024 and concluded with the selection of the winning concept by L35 Arquitectos.
The aim of the winning design team was to create timeless architecture firmly rooted in its location. Inspiration was therefore drawn from the mining and industrial tradition that strongly shapes Ostrava’s landscape and character. The new stadium embraces this iconography and presents a modern reinterpretation of the industrial legacy—a symbol of the city’s new vision for the future.
“Our design strives to create a stadium deeply rooted in Ostrava’s identity—architecture that grows out of the place, remains true to its industrial past, and at the same time reimagines the city’s future,” said Alejandro Lorca, architect at L35 Architects. “New Bazaly was designed as an honest stadium with a strong yet understated character that reflects the spirit of Ostrava and the fans of FC Baník Ostrava,” added Guillermo Guso, project architect.
Due to the steep terrain, the site is divided into several platforms connected by ramps and stairways, improving accessibility and evacuation routes. These platforms function as entrance squares, fan gathering areas, and spaces for events and activities. A continuous elevated plinth forming the main structural element of the stadium separates pedestrian routes and entrances, increasing functionality and accessibility, while also creating more open public space.
Inside, maximum emphasis was placed on creating an intense spectator experience with close proximity to the pitch. The stadium is designed to be active not only on match days—it will host various events and allow year-round use by the club, including offices and training facilities. The complex will also include a shop, a museum, and gastronomic facilities open to the public.
The second prize in the architectural competition was awarded to Querkraft architekten zt gmbh and RAUM+/RAUMKUNST ZT GmbH. Among the four shortlisted designs, this proposal stood out for its green roof emphasising sustainability, although it raised concerns regarding functionality over such a large area, maintenance demands, and excessive load on the roof structure. A circular promenade at roof level surrounding the entire stadium clearly identified Ostrava as the project’s location.
Third place was awarded to Fenwick Iribarren Architects. The final proposal underwent significant changes compared to the first phase of the competition. Although the jury appreciated the team’s effort to revise the original design, the changes resulted in the loss of its core concept. For example, the metal mining wheel concept at roof level was replaced by a wooden slatted roof, and the vertical totem element—potentially a strong landmark for the stadium and adjacent fan zone—was removed. These changes significantly weakened the original concept referencing Ostrava’s robust mining and steelmaking tradition.
More information is available on the project website:
https://novebazaly.ostrava.cz/
Detailed competition information:
https://www.cka.cz/souteze/databaze/nove-bazaly, https://1url.cz/WJgdD
L35 Arquitectos is an urban planning, architectural, and design studio with offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Milan, Miami, Mexico City, Bogotá, Santiago, Istanbul, and Abu Dhabi. Its portfolio includes a wide range of projects—from railway stations and shopping centres to urban revitalisation and stadiums. The winning architectural design was preceded by necessary surveys and feasibility studies aimed at increasing stadium capacity and preparing the architectural competition. Further development of the winning design is required, followed by permitting and construction documentation. Construction is ideally expected to begin in 2029.
The new football stadium will enable the hosting of international matches, including games of the Czech national team. Its return to Bazaly—where the club was based for 56 years from 1959—symbolises a return “home.” The stadium is expected to be certified under the BREEAM standard and will incorporate the latest technologies in sustainability and energy efficiency. It will include a football club museum and additional services such as restaurants and fan shops. Current estimated costs amount to CZK 2.5 billion, to be further refined during subsequent project phases. The planned capacity is approximately 19,500–20,000 seated spectators.
