ŽILINA, Slovakia is the metropolis of the north-west of Slovakia, a town at the confluence of three rivers – the Vah, the Kysuca and the Rajčianka, and the fourth biggest town of the Slovak Republic. It is the seat of the Žilina Self-Governing Region and a gate to the region of Horné Považie.
With a population of almost 90,000 people, the city has undergone dynamic development that has been accelerated by the investment of KIA Motors Slovakia. However, the town is not only an automobile production centre, but together with the Horné Považie region, it is also an interesting place for tourists. It is the seat of the University of Žilina, and since 2008 of the Žilina Bishopric. The popularity of the town as a centre of workshop and conference tourism has been growing too.
The event is taking place at:
Nike Arena
Address: Športová 656/5, 010 01 Žilina, Slovakia
Capacity: 6200
Playing surface dimensions: Rink 1 – 59 x 28.5 m (193.5 x 93.5ft), Rink 2 – 58 x 29 m (190 x 95ft)
Playing surface: plastic Rink 1, concrete Rink 2
Click here to view the Vlci Žilina hockey team Facebook page to see videos and phots of the arena.
Said ISBHF Executive Secretary David Tor “When I visited the city in 2023, I was amazed at how well everything was planned out to the last detail thanks to the organizing committee and the features Nike Arena has to offer. The parents will have great seats, the players will have an outstanding facility to compete in, and the fans will get to experience a World Ball Hockey Championship atmosphere which is like no other in our sport. The ISBHF is proud to have Nike Arena host this event, and we look forward to July for the drop of the first ball.”
Žilina was the first choice for the leadership of SHbÚ. Slovakia already organized the U20 Junior championship in Martin (2004), and in 2008 it hosted the U16 & U18 tournament in Zvolen. In 2014 the U16, U18, and U20 World Championships were held in Bratislava.
“We approached Žilina first. It has an existing sports infrastructure, the winter stadium in this city has two surfaces. And the good development of this sport in the Žilina region undoubtedly contributed to the choice of Žilina as the venue. In addition, we have several years of proven cooperation with this city. We are glad that Mayor Fiabáne gave us a helping hand again,” said the chairman of the organizing committee Ondrej Buday.
“The Zilina Organizing Committee truly went above and beyond in securing the help of the local political community to bring the Juniors to this fantastic city and venue. Just from viewing the videos on the Vlci Žilina hockey team’s facebook page, you can sense how perfect the facility is for hosting high level hockey. There’s two rinks that will be used which will help the tournament run smoothly and efficiently, along with plenty of seating for the friends, family, and hockey enthusiasts who will be in attendance. The city has so much to do for visitors just from reading the Trip Advisor reviews. I am certain this Junior World Championships will be one to remember.” said Chris Bokuniewicz, ISBHF Promotions Director.
Main Arena Photos
Rink two shown here:
Venue pictures showcasing its versatility as host for multiple types of events:
