It all starts on Wednesday. Preparations for the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship are in full swing, with construction work underway in and around the arena in České Budějovice. A large tent for 1,200 spectators is being erected on Sokolský ostrov.
The Organizing Commettee aim to build on the successful concept of last year's "big championship" in Prague and Ostrava and offer fans an experience beyond the arena. The 2025 IIHF WW is always associated with a unique, friendly atmosphere where spectators come together in a relaxed and welcoming spirit.
"Our goal is for visitors to Sokolský ostrov to enjoy themselves, get in the mood for the matches and soak up the atmosphere of the World Cup. Or if they haven't been able to get a ticket to the arena, they can still come and cheer," says Jiří Šindler, Secretary General of the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship Organising Committee. He adds, "The concept of the Fan Zone is inspired by our mascot - a heroine. We want to highlight femininity, celebrate heroines and showcase their strength and determination. Every day will be dedicated to inspiring personalities who have achieved something extraordinary in their careers and lives.
The marquee on Sokolský Island will have a capacity of 1,200 seats and the organisers will traditionally provide big-screen coverage of matches, including those involving the Czech national team.
Cultural programme and partner activities
The Fan Zone will be open from 9 to 15 April from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Thursday 17 April from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., on the day of the semi-final (19 April) from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on the day of the medal ceremony from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Fan Zone will be closed on match-free days, with the exception of South Bohemian University Day on Wednesday 16 April, when it will be open from 9 am to 11 pm.
Before and between games, a cultural programme and DJ performances will help everyone get into the hockey spirit. The line-up features popular artists who appeal to both younger and older audiences. Many of the headline acts are female, including Vesna, Pam Rabbit, Jamaron and We Are Domi.
The line-up will also include local acts such as the legendary band Oceán, whose current lead singer is also female. Fans can also look forward to DJ Roxtar, KHARMA DJ and DJ Lucca behind the decks.
The Fan Zone will once again feature various competitions and activations from Championship partners, as well as an official merchandise stand. "Unlike last 2024 IIHF WM, where we couldn't sell our own merchandise, things are different in České Budějovice. We've designed the merchandise to appeal to a wide audience, so visitors can proudly wear their Championship gear around the city," adds Jiří Šindler. The merchandise will be available at the big tent on Sokolský ostrov and online via the Czech Hockey website.
Pilsner Urquell is once again the official partner of the 2025 IIHF WW, so visitors will be able to enjoy it during their stay on Sokolský Island. A pint in the fan zone will be available for CZK 70.
South Bohemian University Day and Talk Show with Inspiring Women
In addition to an exciting sports and cultural programme, the organisers, in cooperation with the University of South Bohemia, have prepared a special talk show as part of the "South Bohemian University Day" on Wednesday 16 April, a non-game day.
"The University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice is the centre of education and research in the region. We want to use this global sporting event to showcase the opportunities our university offers to visitors from near and far. All eight faculties have prepared programmes for the public, and in the fan zone our scientists will put on an exciting science show. The heroines of our university, whose stories are truly remarkable and inspiring, will also take part in discussions," says Pavel Kozák, Rector of the University of South Bohemia, inviting everyone to the Wednesday programme in the Fan Zone.
The talk show will be hosted by Libor Bouček in three one-hour blocks at 11am, 2pm and 5pm with fascinating personalities from various fields. Guests include journalists Světlana Witowská and Daniela Písařovicová, national team coach Carla MacLeod, singer Pam Rabbit, footballer Barbora Votíková, angler Kateřina Švagrová, Canadian ambassador Kelly McLaughlin and many more. Entry to the Fan Zone is free throughout the 2025 IIHF WW.
Come to the morning or afternoon matches and win!
The Organising Committee, together with its partners, has prepared activations and prize competitions for the 11:00 and 15:00 Group Stage and Morning and Afternoon Playoff games.
"I would like to encourage ticket holders to attend both matches. Not only can they win valuable prizes in the arena, but they'll also be helping to make the Championship in České Budějovice one of the best in history," says Jiří Šindler. He explains that the attendance records are not based on ticket sales, but on the actual number of spectators in the arena.
Plan ahead - arrive early and use public transport!
The organisers urge fans to arrive at the arena on foot or by public transport and to leave unnecessary items at home. Security checks will be in place both at the arena and in the fan zone, so the Organising Committee strongly recommends that spectators avoid arriving at the last minute.
Will the 2025 IIHF WW break the 100,000 ticket mark?
With less than five days to go until kick-off, organisers have reported over 91,000 tickets sold. With the North American Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) on hiatus during the event, the world's biggest female hockey stars from the USA and Canada are expected to take part. These two teams are perennial contenders for gold and silver at the IIHF WW, and tickets for their games are still available through Enigoo. However, the organisers encourage fans to attend every game and experience the unique atmosphere of the tournament first hand.
For more information, visit the official event website at 2025.womensworlds.hockey or follow the event on social media.
The Organizing Commettee aim to build on the successful concept of last year's "big championship" in Prague and Ostrava and offer fans an experience beyond the arena. The 2025 IIHF WW is always associated with a unique, friendly atmosphere where spectators come together in a relaxed and welcoming spirit.
"Our goal is for visitors to Sokolský ostrov to enjoy themselves, get in the mood for the matches and soak up the atmosphere of the World Cup. Or if they haven't been able to get a ticket to the arena, they can still come and cheer," says Jiří Šindler, Secretary General of the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship Organising Committee. He adds, "The concept of the Fan Zone is inspired by our mascot - a heroine. We want to highlight femininity, celebrate heroines and showcase their strength and determination. Every day will be dedicated to inspiring personalities who have achieved something extraordinary in their careers and lives.
The marquee on Sokolský Island will have a capacity of 1,200 seats and the organisers will traditionally provide big-screen coverage of matches, including those involving the Czech national team.
Cultural programme and partner activities
The Fan Zone will be open from 9 to 15 April from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Thursday 17 April from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., on the day of the semi-final (19 April) from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on the day of the medal ceremony from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Fan Zone will be closed on match-free days, with the exception of South Bohemian University Day on Wednesday 16 April, when it will be open from 9 am to 11 pm.
Before and between games, a cultural programme and DJ performances will help everyone get into the hockey spirit. The line-up features popular artists who appeal to both younger and older audiences. Many of the headline acts are female, including Vesna, Pam Rabbit, Jamaron and We Are Domi.
The line-up will also include local acts such as the legendary band Oceán, whose current lead singer is also female. Fans can also look forward to DJ Roxtar, KHARMA DJ and DJ Lucca behind the decks.
The Fan Zone will once again feature various competitions and activations from Championship partners, as well as an official merchandise stand. "Unlike last 2024 IIHF WM, where we couldn't sell our own merchandise, things are different in České Budějovice. We've designed the merchandise to appeal to a wide audience, so visitors can proudly wear their Championship gear around the city," adds Jiří Šindler. The merchandise will be available at the big tent on Sokolský ostrov and online via the Czech Hockey website.
Pilsner Urquell is once again the official partner of the 2025 IIHF WW, so visitors will be able to enjoy it during their stay on Sokolský Island. A pint in the fan zone will be available for CZK 70.
South Bohemian University Day and Talk Show with Inspiring Women
In addition to an exciting sports and cultural programme, the organisers, in cooperation with the University of South Bohemia, have prepared a special talk show as part of the "South Bohemian University Day" on Wednesday 16 April, a non-game day.
"The University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice is the centre of education and research in the region. We want to use this global sporting event to showcase the opportunities our university offers to visitors from near and far. All eight faculties have prepared programmes for the public, and in the fan zone our scientists will put on an exciting science show. The heroines of our university, whose stories are truly remarkable and inspiring, will also take part in discussions," says Pavel Kozák, Rector of the University of South Bohemia, inviting everyone to the Wednesday programme in the Fan Zone.
The talk show will be hosted by Libor Bouček in three one-hour blocks at 11am, 2pm and 5pm with fascinating personalities from various fields. Guests include journalists Světlana Witowská and Daniela Písařovicová, national team coach Carla MacLeod, singer Pam Rabbit, footballer Barbora Votíková, angler Kateřina Švagrová, Canadian ambassador Kelly McLaughlin and many more. Entry to the Fan Zone is free throughout the 2025 IIHF WW.
Come to the morning or afternoon matches and win!
The Organising Committee, together with its partners, has prepared activations and prize competitions for the 11:00 and 15:00 Group Stage and Morning and Afternoon Playoff games.
"I would like to encourage ticket holders to attend both matches. Not only can they win valuable prizes in the arena, but they'll also be helping to make the Championship in České Budějovice one of the best in history," says Jiří Šindler. He explains that the attendance records are not based on ticket sales, but on the actual number of spectators in the arena.
Plan ahead - arrive early and use public transport!
The organisers urge fans to arrive at the arena on foot or by public transport and to leave unnecessary items at home. Security checks will be in place both at the arena and in the fan zone, so the Organising Committee strongly recommends that spectators avoid arriving at the last minute.
Will the 2025 IIHF WW break the 100,000 ticket mark?
With less than five days to go until kick-off, organisers have reported over 91,000 tickets sold. With the North American Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) on hiatus during the event, the world's biggest female hockey stars from the USA and Canada are expected to take part. These two teams are perennial contenders for gold and silver at the IIHF WW, and tickets for their games are still available through Enigoo. However, the organisers encourage fans to attend every game and experience the unique atmosphere of the tournament first hand.
For more information, visit the official event website at 2025.womensworlds.hockey or follow the event on social media.