Mayor Sven Schulze opens speed skating rink
Invitation: Sunday, 24 October, 10 a.m., Chemnitz Ice Sports Centre
On Sunday, 24 October at 10 am, Mayor Sven Schulze will officially open the renovated speed skating rink together with the Managing Director of Eissport und Freizeit GmbH (EFC), Sascha Brandt, as well as the companies carrying out the construction work and the clubs at the site. All Chemnitz residents are cordially invited to attend.
This will be followed by the EFC's 3rd Winter Festival. Visitors can try out the renovated rink free of charge. A fee will only be charged for the hire of skates and walking aids.
Demolition work on the old speed skating rink began at the beginning of March 2020. The approximately 50-year-old sports facility was replaced with a new, competition-ready facility. The ice oval was also given an additional indoor surface. This can be used as an ice hockey rink in winter and as a roller hockey rink in summer. Contrary to the original plans, the roof of the facility had to be cancelled for the time being. This was due to the city's worsening budget situation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the conditions for subsequent construction were created.
Commissioning was postponed by a year as materials contaminated with asbestos were found during the demolition work, which required time-consuming disposal.
There was an urgent need for action on the speed skating rink in order to ensure the promotion of popular and competitive sports (national centre) and the promotion of young talent. The track has now been refurbished to meet current requirements as a training facility suitable for competitions.
The costs for the renovation of the 400-metre track total around 12 million euros, of which 3.7 million euros is federal funding.