The Ondrej Nepela ice hockey arena in Bratislava will be prepared to host the Ice Hockey World Championship in May, said Peter Vojtko, the director of the Sport and Recreation Facilities Administration (STARZ), which is the arena's operator. According to him, all ongoing work will be completed by the championship's opening on May 10. "I'm hundred percent sure we'll make it in time, our plan was to hand over the ice-hockey arena to the Slovak Ice Hockey Association (SZĽH) by April 15." said Vojtko
According to him, lively construction activity is going on in the arena. Turnstiles, lightning above the main ice-hockey ground is currently being replaced, the rubber floor is being fixed, dasher boards are being replaced and interior walls are being painted. Moreover, the exterior glass facade is being washed, a video-cube is being improved and security cameras are being replaced," said Vojtko. Turnstiles are being replaced as well, he said, adding that lively construction activity is going on in the arena. The cooling and ventilation systems in the arena were already repaired last year.
The total investment in the arena related to the championship will exceed €2 million. In addition to the municipality of Bratislava, the SZĽH contributed €0.5 million for the investment. It obtained this money to organise the championship from the state. SZĽH will also pay €516,000 to the municipality for renting the arena for the championship and refund the cost of the arena's operation in the amount of €300,000.
The Ice Hockey World Championship will be hosted by both Bratislava and Kosice between May 10-26.
