An architecture contest is being held to create a new 83 million (CZK 2.5 billion) football stadium in Ostrava, Czechia (Deadline: 24 January)The anonymous two-stage competition backed by the City of Ostrava will select a design team to create a landmark new 19,500-to-20,000 capacity stadium on a prominent site overlooking Czechias third largest settlement.The 100 million (CZK 2.5 billion) project will create a new home for FC Bank Ostrava on the location of the clubs existing grounds which have been in use since 1959 and are located near to Ostravas New City Hall. New retail, food and beverage facilities, a football museum and parking will also be delivered.Contest site: Nov Bazaly football stadium, OstravaAccording to the brief: The subject of the competition is the design of an architectural solution for a football stadium for FC Bank Ostrava, which will meet UEFA criteria for the highest category of stadium enabling the organisation of international matches in all categories of football.The main reason for this project is the inadequate facilities at the current athletics stadium, as well as the citys need for a modern sports infrastructure. The new stadium, with significant, larger-than-regional importance, aims to bring the game closer to the fans and create the best possible spectator experience. It will also serve as a venue for matches of the Czech national football team.At the same time, the team will return to its historic location, which boasts a unique topography above the city centre and excellent accessibility by public transport. The combination of this historically significant site with the clubs future offers the potential to create a new city landmark.Founded in 1267, Ostrava is a large industrial city located close to the Polish border in the north-east of Czechia. The settlement is home to around 280,000 people and local landmarks include the contest-winning Ostrava Concert Hall by Steven Holl Architects.The latest contest comes just months after international competitions were announced for the 244 million upgrade of flood defences in Olomouc and to transform the disused Hotel Stroja in nearby Perov.Key aims of the latest project include creating a new natural gathering place for both local residents and visitors to the region while also meeting contemporary environmental, operational, and accessibility standards and integrating seamlessly into the surrounding urban environment.Contest site: Nov Bazaly football stadium, OstravaTeams pre-invited to participate in the two-stage contest include Fenwick Iribarren Architects of Madrid, Hamburgs gmp Architekten, and London-based IDOM and Populous.Judges will include Jan Dohnal, mayor of the city of Ostrava; Vclav Brabec from FC Bank Ostrava; the Dublin architect Valerie Mulvin; and Radim Kucha, head of the fire department of the Moravian-Silesian Region.The contest language is Czech and English. Submissions will be judged on architectural quality, interconnection to the surrounding urban environment, quality of transport solution, response to the brief, functionality, operational efficiency and adaptability.The competition features a 400,000 (CZK 12.5 million) prize fund and the overall winner will be invited to negotiate for a 5 million (CZK 155 million) design contract to take the project forward.How to applyDeadline: 1pm local time, 24 JanuaryCompetition funding source: City of OstravaProject funding: Multi-source financing (in solution)Owner of site(s): City of OstravaContact details: posta@ostrava.czVisit the competition website for more information