Contemplate the sheer scale before you. This is the O2 Arena. It is not just any arena. It is a Prague landmark.
Originally known as Sazka Arena, its story began with a vision. The vision was to celebrate Czech ice hockey’s golden era. The Czechs had won Olympic gold in 1998. They also secured three consecutive World Championships from 1999 to 2001. The O2 Arena was meant to host the 2003 Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships. Investor complications caused a switch to Finland.
Construction finally began in September 2002. The arena opened in March 2004. It was timed to host the 2004 Men’s Ice Hockey World Championships. In 2008, Sazka Arena became the O2 Arena.
The O2 Arena is home to HC Sparta Prague. It is the third-largest ice hockey arena in Europe. Its capacity can reach 20000 for concerts. It holds 17383 for ice hockey games. For basketball, it holds 16805. Tennis events can host 14000 fans.
The O2 Arena has hosted major events. These include the Ice Hockey World Championships in 2004 2015 and 2024. The first edition of the Laver Cup took place here. The European Athletics Indoor Championships also were held here. The Euroleague Final Four occurred here in 2006. The World Floorball Championship has been held here. The 2012 Davis Cup finals also took place here. The arena has hosted four Fed Cup finals. It has also hosted NHL and KHL games. A Gagarin Cup final was played here in 2014.
The O2 Arena has six floors. It offers 35000 square meters of floor space. There are 2460 club and luxury seats. The arena includes 66 sky boxes and four party boxes. Bars restaurants and cafes provide 2900 seats. An impressive 30000 beers can be tapped in one break. Parking is available for 280 vehicles. The arena’s catchment area includes 1.5 to 1.8 million people.
The O2 Arena has seen some incredible music performances. Madonna played to 18628 spectators in 2006. This was the arena’s largest crowd ever. Kylie Minogue Celine Dion and Tina Turner have performed here. Lady Gaga Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez have graced the stage. Queen + Adam Lambert Katy Perry and Justin Bieber have rocked the O2 Arena. Metallica played to over 20000 fans in 2018.
The O2 Arena hosted NHL games in 2008 2010 2019 2022 and 2024. The Czech Republic won the 2012 Davis Cup final here. The Fed Cup has been contested here four times. The O2 Arena truly is a versatile venue. It can transform from an ice rink to a concert hall. It can host a tennis match or a floorball championship. Its history is rich with sporting achievements and musical milestones. The O2 Arena remains a Prague icon.