Fans return to Ostrava 2021 World Championships

Hockey fans in Ostrava will have the opportunity to see the world’s best Para ice hockey players in action again when the World Championships kicks off on Saturday (19 June) in Czech Republic.

The Ostrava 2021 Local Organising Committee (LOC) has launched the ticket sales for the World Championships at Ostravar Arena. A total of 2,500 fans will be allowed every day in the 9,568-seater stadium.

Entering the venue will be possible following a code of conduct based on the COVID-19 measures currently in effect by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. 

Spectators must show a negative PCR test not older than seven days, a negative POC test not older than 72 hours, a national vaccination certificate against COVID-19 or a proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 infection, in order to enter the arena.

It will be mandatory to wear a face mask and meal consumption in spectators’ areas will be strictly forbidden. Fans will also have to maintain social distancing while seated with every other seat unoccupied. 

Tickets are available on sale here. 

The Ostrava 2021 LOC has also created an outdoor Fanzone close to Ostravar Arena where fans will be able to watch the competition live on big screens while also having the opportunity to try out Para sports and get involved in other exciting activities.

Ostrava will be hosting the World Championships for the second consecutive time and third time overall following the 2009 and 2019 editions. The 2019 Worlds drew record-breaking 64,748 spectators. 

Eight teams are set to compete in the championships from 19 to 26 June with the top five finishers qualifying automatically for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Michelle LaFlamme, World Para Ice Hockey Manager, said: “The last World Championships are always remembered by great games and also the atmosphere created by the fans in Ostrava. 

"The LOC has been in close contact with health authorities to give fans the opportunity to watch the competition again and will be monitoring closely to make sure we can offer the safest environment to all involved in the competition while also enjoy a fantastic event.”

Jiří Šindler, Chairman of the Ostrava 2021 LOC, said: "A smooth course of the entire tournament will be considered a win for us at the moment. We hope that we will create an unforgettable atmosphere for the best Para ice hockey players in the world once again, even with a limited capacity in the arena. 

"We are expecting spectators not only inside of the Ostravar Arena. They can also cheer under the open sky in our outdoor Fanzone."

Hosts Czech Republic will take on South Korea in the World Championships opening game at 12:00 (CEST) on Saturday followed by a rematch of the 2019 final with defending champions USA facing Canada.

The complete competition schedule can be found on the Ostrava 2021 microsite.