New Ice Dome opens in Zagreb 

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

Following the earthquake that rendered the Ice Hall at the Sports Center out of commission and with the skating rink at Šalata usable only under favorable weather conditions, enthusiasts of ice sports have finally found their haven. 

Zagreb has acquired a covered arena for ice sports, a prerequisite for quality training and the development of both the sport itself and young talents.

Construction of the arena began in July last year, after the Zagreb City Assembly approved its construction on city land. The funds for the construction and equipping of the arena were donated by Admiral, with additional funding provided by the company CROZ and the club itself.

The Admiral Ice Dome, located in Utrina in Novi Zagreb, has a capacity for 500-850 spectators, spanning a total of 5500 m2, with the balloon itself measuring 44×60 m. Designed by the architectural studio 10Aarch, the arena features 8 changing rooms, a gym, a meeting room, a video room, toilets for people with disabilities, as well as separate facilities for women and men, a foyer for citizens (for changing, skate rental).

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

It is important to note that the arena also has toilets for children, making it the only arena fully adapted to preschool children and younger age groups.

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

The President of KHL Medveščak Admirala, Igor Jačmenjak, does not hide his satisfaction. “This project has been successfully completed in just eight months, thanks in part to the great effort and commitment of many. 

In addition to the City of Zagreb, I would like to thank the Water Supply and Sewerage Company and HEP for promptly connecting the arena to the city network, as well as everyone who diligently worked on this project, especially our hockey friends, their families, and everyone who recognized and supported this project.”

Igor Jacmenjak (Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

The arena is primarily intended to meet the needs of KHL Medveščak Admiral, for training, matches, and tournaments, but it will also be used by all clubs requiring an ice surface for training processes across all categories – women’s hockey, other hockey clubs in Zagreb, hockey for people with disabilities, figure skating, speed skating, synchronized skating, and curling. In addition to all KHL Medveščak Admiral matches, the arena will host tournaments for younger categories, including the ITHL league for U13 and U15 categories, the Croatian Championship playoffs, and starting March 10, the Women’s Division III Group A World Championship.

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

“This project is the best proof of how commercial resources can be combined with public interest to create lasting value for the entire community. Investing in sports pays off in many ways, from economic to those related to the physical and mental health of people of all age groups. 

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

I hope that other Croatian cities will follow this example; we are available to provide any necessary assistance. I want to thank everyone who participated in this project, including IIHF and its president Luc Tardif, as well as our Croatian Olympic Committee, KHL Medveščak Admiral, and the entire hockey community, volunteers, and hockey friends,” said Vjeko Jadrešić, President of the Croatian Ice Hockey Federation.

Through various programs and training sessions, the arena will undoubtedly support the ambitions of young athletes, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and achieve their sports goals. For example, the skating school for the youngest will be free of charge. 

Boris Wagner (Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

Just as numerous sports programs for children of all age groups will be organized to develop their skills and promote a healthy lifestyle, recreational programs for adults will also be organized to allow the local community to maintain fitness and connect with other community members.

Boris Wagner, Head of Marketing at Admiral, said, “We are proud and happy to have been able to participate in such a beautiful and important project. Hockey as a sport embodies dynamism, team spirit, and passion, which are also the foundations of Admiral’s business philosophy. Through supporting hockey, Admiral recognizes the importance of unity, support, and continuous progress. 

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

Through similar examples of hockey support in other countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, or Slovenia, we see how sports sponsorship builds strong connections between the company and the community and promotes the values of sportsmanship. Although hockey holds a special place in Admiral’s support for sports activities, the company also supports numerous other sports such as soccer, basketball, futsal, and teqball. Admiral’s business strategy is based on continuous development, innovation, and community support. 

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

Admiral’s mission is to offer unique quality service in the gaming industry while promoting social responsibility and sustainability, and its vision is to maintain high business standards that have enabled us to lead our industry, continuously develop new ones, and excellence in all segments of business to remain competitive in the challenges of the new era. We know how important sports are for the physical and mental health of people, especially when we talk about the youngest. 

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

Now we have another sports facility in Zagreb, where we can not only follow and enjoy sports competitions but also actively participate as citizens. Here, I must emphasize the importance of involving children and their development through sports and that this is the only arena adapted for preschool children and children in younger age groups.”

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

(Photo: KHL MEDVEŠČAK ADMIRAL)

Immediately after the Women’s Division III Group A World Championship, an Open Day will be held at the Admiral Ice Dome, and citizens will have the opportunity to skate, learn about hockey, and other ice sports.