The 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship is just around the corner. From 9 to 20 April, České Budějovice will transform into a global hub for ice hockey. The organizers are finalising last details. One of their key messages to spectators is: "Park your car in designated areas and reach the arena on foot or by public transport".
The Organizing Committee is in the final stages of preparation, which includes one of the most challenging tasks: setting up the infrastructure in and around the arena. "This encompasses creating media rooms, spaces for the Organizing Committee, broadcasters, a warm-up tent for players, and a fan zone on Sokolský Island," explains Jiří Šindler, General Secretary of the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship.
South Bohemia is expecting an influx of fans from across the Czech Republic, Canada, the USA, Germany and other European countries, making it one of the most-watched and visited hockey venues in the world this April. "We want to build on the success of the Children and Youth Olympics, where the South Bohemian region was fully immersed in the sport. I firmly believe that we South Bohemians possess a strong sporting spirit and understand the importance of ensuring that the event runs smoothly. The entire world of women's hockey is coming here, and we want České Budějovice to be a symbol of hospitality and sportsmanship. That's why I'm inviting all fans to come, cheer, support our athletes, and help to create an unforgettable atmosphere! At the same time, I ask you to be considerate and follow the organizers' instructions to ensure the safety and comfort of all," said Martin Kuba, Governor of the South Bohemian Region.
Dagmar Škodová Parmová, Mayor of the Statutory City of České Budějovice, echoed his sentiments: "This will be a truly significant sporting event, unlike anything we've had here before, and we are thrilled to host it. The eyes of the whole world will be on our beautiful city, and it is essential to respect all necessary traffic restrictions. We have prepared meticulously and for a long time. I trust that all hockey fans will exercise discipline, and I thank them in advance.“
Ensuring a smooth and safe event is a top priority for the organizers, who are working closely with security forces. "Dozens of police officers —both uniformed and undercover—will be present throughout the championship. Together with the organizers and other emergency services, our primary goal is to ensure the highest level of safety for visitors, teams and local residents," says Tomáš Lerch, Deputy President of the Czech Police.
The South Bohemian Fire Service is also prepared for the influx of thousands of fans. "We have been preparing for months in collaboration with our colleagues from other emergency services, the Championship organizers, and local authorities. A dedicated fire unit, including commanding officers, will be stationed at the arena, along with a hazardous materials monitoring team. Given the anticipated high number of international visitors, we are also increasing the number of shifts in our emergency call centres, and operators will be trained to handle calls in English and German.“
MUDr. Marek Slabý, Director of the South Bohemian Emergency Medical Services, urges fans to act responsibly: "If you have chronic health issues, please bring your necessary medication. Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol. Keep your emotions in check—hockey is passionate, but violence is unacceptable. In crowded areas, be mindful of those around you, and if you see someone in distress, help them or contact onsite medical or security personnel. In life-threatening situations, do not hesitate to call the emergency services on 155."
The Organizing Committee is in the final stages of preparation, which includes one of the most challenging tasks: setting up the infrastructure in and around the arena. "This encompasses creating media rooms, spaces for the Organizing Committee, broadcasters, a warm-up tent for players, and a fan zone on Sokolský Island," explains Jiří Šindler, General Secretary of the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship.
South Bohemia is expecting an influx of fans from across the Czech Republic, Canada, the USA, Germany and other European countries, making it one of the most-watched and visited hockey venues in the world this April. "We want to build on the success of the Children and Youth Olympics, where the South Bohemian region was fully immersed in the sport. I firmly believe that we South Bohemians possess a strong sporting spirit and understand the importance of ensuring that the event runs smoothly. The entire world of women's hockey is coming here, and we want České Budějovice to be a symbol of hospitality and sportsmanship. That's why I'm inviting all fans to come, cheer, support our athletes, and help to create an unforgettable atmosphere! At the same time, I ask you to be considerate and follow the organizers' instructions to ensure the safety and comfort of all," said Martin Kuba, Governor of the South Bohemian Region.
Dagmar Škodová Parmová, Mayor of the Statutory City of České Budějovice, echoed his sentiments: "This will be a truly significant sporting event, unlike anything we've had here before, and we are thrilled to host it. The eyes of the whole world will be on our beautiful city, and it is essential to respect all necessary traffic restrictions. We have prepared meticulously and for a long time. I trust that all hockey fans will exercise discipline, and I thank them in advance.“
Ensuring a smooth and safe event is a top priority for the organizers, who are working closely with security forces. "Dozens of police officers —both uniformed and undercover—will be present throughout the championship. Together with the organizers and other emergency services, our primary goal is to ensure the highest level of safety for visitors, teams and local residents," says Tomáš Lerch, Deputy President of the Czech Police.
The South Bohemian Fire Service is also prepared for the influx of thousands of fans. "We have been preparing for months in collaboration with our colleagues from other emergency services, the Championship organizers, and local authorities. A dedicated fire unit, including commanding officers, will be stationed at the arena, along with a hazardous materials monitoring team. Given the anticipated high number of international visitors, we are also increasing the number of shifts in our emergency call centres, and operators will be trained to handle calls in English and German.“
MUDr. Marek Slabý, Director of the South Bohemian Emergency Medical Services, urges fans to act responsibly: "If you have chronic health issues, please bring your necessary medication. Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol. Keep your emotions in check—hockey is passionate, but violence is unacceptable. In crowded areas, be mindful of those around you, and if you see someone in distress, help them or contact onsite medical or security personnel. In life-threatening situations, do not hesitate to call the emergency services on 155."
Park in Designated Areas, Use Public Transport, or Walk to the Arena
From April 6 to 21, F. A. Gerstmera Street between Goethova and Mánesová Streets will be closed to traffic to ensure safety and the smooth running of the event. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter or park in this zone, but public transport services will not be affected. "We urge everyone to use public transport as much as possible during the Championships and to avoid driving to the arena," said Ivo Kössler, Head of the Transport Department. "For those arriving by car, we recommend parking at designated car parks within walking distance, such as the Stromovka car park (access from Volejbalistů Street) or the Dynamo P+R car park."There will also be restrictions on bicycles and scooters near the arena. The best place to park them will be the Stromovka car park adjacent to the arena.
Free Public Transport with a Valid Ticket
Fans will be able to access the arena via regular public transport, just as they would for a typical Czech Extraliga game. Recommended bus stops include U Zimního stadionu (lines 13, 15, 22), Koh-i-Noor (lines 7, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22) and U Soudu (lines 10, 13, 16, 19, 22). Trolleybuses 2, 5 and the 53 night service will also available.In cooperation with the České Budějovice Public Transport Company, the organizers have arranged free transport for ticket holders one hour before and after each game. "Thanks to the arena's location, it is easy to reach the games by public transport. We want to make the fans' experience in České Budějovice as pleasant as possible, so everyone with a valid game ticket can travel free of charge one hour before and after the games," says Slavoj Dolejš, Director and Chairman of the Board of Transport company of the city of České Budějovice.
Arena and Fan Zone Security: Travel Light
As with any major IIHF Ice Hockey Championships, standard security checks will be in place at the arena and in the Fan Zone on Sokolský ostrov. The arena will open to spectators one hour before the puck drops, while the Fan Zone will be open on game days (April 9-15) from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., on April 17 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., on the day of the semi-finals (April 19) from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on the day of the medals ceremony (April 20) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Fan Zone will be closed on non-game days, with the exception of South Bohemian University Day on April 16, when it will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m."In order to ensure a smooth entry, we advise fans to leave large and unnecessary items in the storage facilities around the arena. A list of prohibited items can be found on each ticket," says Tomáš Skotnica, Head of Security. There will be two lockers at the entrances to the arena and another one in the Fan Zone. Each deposit will cost CZK 50 and can only be paid for using cashless methods (card, smartphone, or smartwatch).
All details can be found on the official 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship website (2025.womensworlds.hockey) or on the event's official social media channels.
For specific transportation details, please visit:
- Public transport in České Budějovice: https://www.dpmcb.cz
- Train schedules: https://www.cd.cz
- General travel planner: https://idos.idnes.cz/vlakyautobusymhdvse/spojeni