Stadion Evžena Rošického is a multi‑purpose sports venue located in the Vokovice area of Prague, Czech Republic, adjacent to Stromovka Park. The stadium is owned by the City of Prague and is operated primarily for athletics, football, and large‑scale public events such as concerts and ceremonies.
Name
The stadium is named after Evžen Rošický (1914 – 1942), a Czech middle‑distance runner and journalist who was active in the anti‑Nazi resistance and was executed during World War II.
History
- Construction of the original facility began in the early 1930s, and the stadium officially opened in 1935.
- Throughout its history the venue has served various sports clubs, most notably as the home ground for SK Slavia Prague before the club moved to its own stadium in the 1990s.
- The stadium has also been used for state and civic events, including military parades and public gatherings during the communist era.
Facilities and Capacity
- The venue features a standard 400 m athletics track surrounding a grass playing field.
- Seating capacity is approximately 19 000 spectators, with a combination of permanent stands and auxiliary temporary seating used for concerts.
- Ancillary facilities include training pitches, tennis courts, and a small indoor gymnasium that are part of the broader sports complex.
Renovations
- Major refurbishment work was carried out in the late 2000s (2008–2009), during which the seating areas were upgraded, flood‑lighting was modernised, and the athletics track was replaced to meet contemporary standards.
- Subsequent maintenance projects have focused on improving spectator safety, updating the sound system, and ensuring compliance with UEFA and IAAF regulations for occasional football and track events.
Current Use
- The stadium is primarily used for track and field competitions, including national championships and youth meets.
- It serves as a venue for lower‑division football matches and is occasionally rented for friendly matches by professional clubs.
- The site is a popular location for large outdoor concerts; notable performers who have appeared there include the Rolling Stones (1990) and other international acts.
- Municipal authorities also host public ceremonies, such as the annual “St. Wenceslas Day” celebrations and civic commemorations.
Accessibility
- Stadion Evžena Rošického is reachable by public transport via Prague’s tram and bus network, with the nearest tram stop located within a few hundred metres of the main entrance.
- Parking facilities are available on site, though capacity is limited during major events.
Management
The stadium is managed by the Prague City Office for Sports and Physical Education, which oversees scheduling, maintenance, and community outreach programs associated with the venue.
All information presented is based on publicly available sources documenting the stadium’s history, facilities, and current functions.
