Former Greyhound Racing Track in Prague-Motol to Be Transformed into a Modern Athletics Centre

The former greyhound racing stadium in Motol is set for a major transformation. Instead of four-legged racers, the site will soon host athletes training and competing in track and field events. The new sports complex is expected to open in around a year and a half.

The stadium, which has stood unused for years, was built in 2013 and was purchased by the City of Prague two years ago. Prague 5 City Hall has welcomed the planned redevelopment.

"We thought it was a great shame that the site had remained unused. There are many excellent sports facilities in the surrounding area, but right here in the middle there was nothing of the kind," said Prague 5 Mayor Lukáš Herold (ODS) during a tour of the site on Monday. He also thanked the city for purchasing the complex, which had at one time also been used for kart racing.

The priority now, he said, is to open the facility for sport as quickly as possible. "We have discussed with the Mayor of Prague and the relevant city councillors implementing the redevelopment in several phases. The first phase should be completed as soon as possible so that sport can finally return to the site," Herold said.

Source: 23 Visualization: ARW pb

David Dušek (STAN), Prague 5's Deputy Mayor responsible for sport, also pointed to the strong demand for athletics facilities. At present, the entire Prague 5 district has only one athletics track, located in Barrandov. With this project, the Czech capital will begin to address at least part of its long-standing shortage of athletics facilities.

Plans call for a large athletics centre that will meet European standards for adult competitions. The facility will be used by three sports clubs from Prague 5 and Prague 6.

According to the Czech Athletics Federation, more than 1,500 children could take part in regular training sessions and recreational sports activities there every week.

Foto: Praha 5

The existing indoor facilities will also undergo extensive redevelopment. "For example, we want to convert the former restaurant into a modern rehabilitation centre of the highest standard," said Prague City Councillor for Education and Sport Antonín Klecanda (STAN).

A later phase of the project also includes the construction of accommodation, primarily intended for use during international competitions. In addition, the complex will provide first-class training facilities for para-athletes. The city has already agreed on the necessary partnerships.

Planned improvements include expanding the grandstand, replacing the existing sports surfaces with tartan and grass, and constructing a 400-metre athletics track with eight lanes.

Inside the track, facilities will be built for the long jump, high jump, javelin, hammer throw, discus throw and shot put. Once completed, the sports centre will be open to both sports clubs and the general public.