O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is one of the most modern and high-capacity multi-functional complexes in Prague, serving as an important center for the cultural and sporting life of the Czech Republic. Formerly known as the Sazka Arena, today it is considered one of the largest ice arenas in Europe and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

The main feature of the arena is its versatility. The venue is easily transformed to host a wide variety of events: from grand concerts by world stars and large-scale shows to exciting sports competitions. It has hosted IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship matches, NHL games, Davis Cup tennis finals, and the European Athletics Indoor Championships.

The complex's capacity is adapted depending on the event format. The arena can accommodate up to 20,000 spectators for concerts, 17,383 people during hockey matches, and about 16,805 fans for basketball games. Thanks to advanced technology, excellent acoustics, and developed infrastructure, the O2 Arena offers an unforgettable experience for every guest.

For all the latest information on upcoming events, ticket purchases, and visitor rules, it is best to check directly. You can do this by using the official contact details for the O2 Arena.

Visiting the O2 Arena is an opportunity to dive into the epicenter of Prague's cultural and sporting life. The main events held here can be divided into two broad categories: exciting sports competitions and grand concerts by world stars. Regardless of when you visit, there is a high probability that you will find an event on the schedule to make your trip unforgettable.

Sports fans will find plenty of reasons to celebrate. The arena is the home venue for the HC Sparta Prague hockey club, so you have a chance to catch a Czech Extraliga match and experience the unique atmosphere of a hockey showdown. In addition, the venue regularly hosts competitions in other sports, including basketball games, tennis tournaments, and floorball matches.

The O2 Arena is known not only for sports but also as one of the country's main concert venues, hosting performances by world-renowned artists. The scale of the complex allows for high-level events. Throughout its history, the arena has repeatedly hosted iconic international competitions, such as the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships in 2004, 2015, and 2024, the prestigious Laver Cup tennis tournament, Davis Cup finals, and the Men's World Floorball Championship.

Reaching the O2 Arena in Prague is quite easy thanks to the well-developed public transport system. The most convenient and fastest way is by metro. The Českomoravská station, located on the yellow line (Line B), is just a few meters from the arena entrance. A trip from the city center, for example from the Náměstí Republiky station, takes about 15-17 minutes. This is the ideal option to avoid traffic jams, especially on major event days.

In addition to the metro, the arena can be reached by other means of transport. Nearby is the Aréna Libeň jih tram stop, served by routes 7 and 8. You can also use buses 151, 152, or 375, which stop at the Českomoravská stop. For those traveling through the Czech Republic by train, the Praha-Libeň railway station is within walking distance (about 13 minutes), making the arena easily accessible for guests from other cities.

If you prefer to travel by car, there are several parking lots near the O2 Arena, including a multi-level parking garage. However, it’s worth noting that parking spaces fill up quickly during concerts and matches, so it is recommended to arrive early or book a spot online if available. A taxi ride from the historical center takes approximately 8-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

The history of the O2 Arena in Prague is a story of speed and ambition. Construction of the multi-functional complex began in September 2002 and was completed in record time. On March 24, 2004, the arena opened its doors, fully prepared to host the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. For such rapid construction of one of the country's largest facilities, the creators were honored with the prestigious "Building of the Year 2004" award.

To many visitors to the Czech Republic, the arena may be known by its original name — the Sazka Arena. The complex received its current name, O2 Arena, in March 2008. The entire project, from laying the foundation stone to the opening, cost approximately 347 million euros, highlighting its massive scale. Today, the complex is owned by Bestsport, and the developer was ATIP, a.s.

The arena's sporting glory is closely linked to ice hockey. It hosted the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship matches in 2004, 2015, and 2024. In 2015, an attendance record for world hockey championships was set here, remaining unbeaten for nearly a decade until it was surpassed in 2024. In addition to hockey, the arena has hosted other iconic events, including the EuroLeague Basketball Final Four in 2006 and the Davis Cup tennis final in 2012.

The time you spend at the O2 Arena depends entirely on the purpose of your visit. If you are going to a specific event, whether it's a concert or a sports match, you should plan based on its duration. On average, a concert lasts about 3–4 hours, including the opening act and intermissions. Attending a hockey match, including the intervals between periods, takes about 2.5–3 hours. You should also add at least 30–60 minutes for security checks, finding your seat, and buying drinks, especially if a sell-out crowd is expected.

If you want to see the inside of the arena without attending an event, there is a great opportunity to do so as part of an organized tour. Special backstage tours are held for visitors, allowing them to see technical rooms, locker rooms, VIP zones, and other areas inaccessible to the general public. Such an excursion is a unique chance to learn how one of Europe's most modern multi-functional halls operates. The duration of this tour is approximately 90 minutes.

Therefore, to get a detailed look at the inner workings of the O2 Arena, it is enough to set aside about an hour and a half for a tour. If your goal is to enjoy a show or a game, be prepared to dedicate almost the entire evening to the event.

The O2 Arena does not operate on a standard schedule but rather according to the schedule of events, so it does not have fixed opening hours for general public access. The complex is open to visitors year-round, but entry is only possible with a ticket for a specific event — be it a concert, sports match, or show. Usually, the arena doors open for spectators 1.5–2 hours before the start of the event indicated on the ticket. This time is provided for security checks, finding seats, and visiting food stalls.

To find out the exact start and entry times for the event you are interested in, you should check the information on the official O2 Arena website or directly on your ticket. Given the venue's high popularity, it is recommended to purchase tickets for world-famous artists and important sports matches in advance, as they can sell out quickly. Purchases can most often be made online through official ticket operators.

Visiting the O2 Arena is an exciting event in itself, but exploring its surroundings can make your trip to Prague even more fulfilling. The area around the arena offers many interesting spots, from other sports facilities to cozy restaurants and museums. By taking a little time to explore nearby attractions, you can better experience the atmosphere of this part of the city.

In the immediate vicinity of the O2 Arena, there are both modern entertainment centers and iconic historical sites that are easy to reach. This is a great opportunity to combine a concert or match with a short cultural program without spending much time traveling. Below is a list of some attractions located nearby.