Right here stands epet ARENA. It is more than just a stadium. It is the heart of Czech football history. This is the home of AC Sparta Praha. It is the crown jewel of Czech soccer.
Since 1917 epet ARENA has seen legends rise. It has seen victories celebrated. It has seen defeats mourned. Originally known as Letná Stadium, it has borne witness to countless unforgettable moments. The stadium’s story began in 1914 when AC Sparta Praha secured land near the waterworks. After three years of construction, the stadium opened on May 13, 1917. Sparta Prague won their opening game against Viktoria Pilsen 3-2.
Imagine the atmosphere in 1921. A wooden grandstand was built. It held 1,600 seats. It was Central Europe’s largest at the time. The grandstand cost 900,000 Czech crowns.
The stadium has undergone many changes. A fire in 1934 destroyed the main grandstand. It also destroyed the club archives and trophy collection. A new reinforced concrete grandstand replaced it twenty months later. In 1969, all grandstands except the main one were replaced with concrete. The capacity increased to 35,800.
In 1994, the stadium was rebuilt in seven months. This happened without a building permit. The capacity reduced to 21,362 seats. It became an all-seater stadium. A new under-soil heating system was installed in 2001.
The stadium has had several names. It was Toyota Arena and AXA Arena. It was Generali Arena. Since 2022, it has been known as epet ARENA.
The epet ARENA is more than bricks and mortar. It is a cauldron of passion. The fans create an intimate atmosphere. They are known as some of the most passionate in the world. They hold their scarves high. They sing club anthems. The Ultras section is always buzzing. They display tifos and sometimes light pyros.
Even a regular league match is an experience. If Sparta is losing, the fans react. They jeer the opposing players. They even throw cups onto the field. But when Sparta scores a winning goal, the stadium erupts. An older gentleman was once seen in tears. This is what the team means to its fans.
Attending a match here is a great investment. Tickets are cheaper than many Prague attractions. Food and drinks are also affordable. A beer costs around $3. It even comes in a souvenir cup.
The stadium is in Prague 7. It is a short walk from Old Town Square. There are many restaurants and bars nearby. Mr. Hot Dog is a popular pre-match spot. The tram stop “Sparta” is right outside.
The epet ARENA has hosted international matches. It has hosted the Czech Republic national team many times. It also hosted the U-21 European Championship in 2015.
Soak in the history. Feel the passion. Experience the epet ARENA. It is a must-see for any football fan visiting Prague.