General History
Ostrava is the Czech Republic's third largest city with just over 300k inhabitants. The city is situated in the east of the country just 15km from the Polish border and 55km from the Slovakian border.
It was once known as the 'Steel Heart' of the republic: the city was perceived as inhospitable, dirty, and full of rude and hard working people. Sounds familiar, could the people be the Smoggies of the Czech Republic?
Now the mines and the steelworks are closed down the people of Ostrava have been re-trained and found work in other industries, such as Banking and other service industries.
Things To Do (Drinking)
If you have a couple of hours to spare before or after the game head for Stodolni Street and the surrounding area. Over the past fifteen years the area has been transformed and it appears to be the 'in' place.
Extract from website: Ostravainfo
" - the area around Stodolní Street has recently become a new phenomenon in Ostrava. Fifteen years ago, Stodolní Street was known as a place, which suffered from many negative attributes of an industrial metropolis. Nowadays, it is definitely the most drawing and frolic place in Ostrava. In the last research this fact was confirmed by Ostrava citizens. There are more than 70 clubs and pubs around Stodolní Street. Different atmosphere, style and kind of music in the pubs make Stodolní Street really special. People can choose music from the early 60´s up today. House, disco, techno and hip-hop music - everybody can find their "cup of tea." Stodolní Street is a very popular place visited by thousands of people every weekend."
Included in the 70 clubs and bars are a couple of Irish bars and a couple with English sounding names, namely: Bernie´s Traditional Irish Pub (not Slaven), Black Horse Irish Pub, Flintstone´s Pub & The Sherlock Holmes.
See also virtual map of Stodolni Street.
If you are having a drink don't be confused by the % on the bottles, it is not the % alcohol like at home, it's the % malt extract used in the brewing process. As a rough guide the % alcohol is one quarter of the % malt extract. So a 12% Czech beer is about 3% alcohol.
Some of the Czech beers to watch out for are Budvar (Budweiser), Radegast, Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus, although you can also get a good pint of Guinness and cider (usually Strongbow).
Things To Do (other)
If you fancy browsing around the shops there is a pedestrian area in the city centre with a whole range of shops.
Like any city around the world Ostrava does have tourist attractions, a few that you might want to visit are: the City Hall Viewing Tower (take a look at the city from 85.6m above the ground. Thats higher than the Transporter), visit Ostrava Castle or take a trip to Ostrava Zoo.
There are also a number of museums, a model village and a brewery tour, sadly the latter is only open on Wednesday's in September.
Travel
Ostrava is served by Mosnov Airport (aka. Ostrava International Airport) which is situated 20km south west of the city. It takes about 30 minutes in a taxi or you can take a city bus.
The main railway station is approximately 2km from the Stodolni Street area, which is readily accessed by Ostrava's tram network (no.1,2,8 or 12 from the station).
When making your way to the Balazy Stadium you can make use of Ostrava's trolley-bus network (no.104 or 109 from Ceskobratrska). If you wish to walk, head along Ceskobratrska and cross the Ostravice River. The stadium is about 1.5 km from Stodolni Street.
Other Info
Check out Miro's site (big on fmttm board), there's some very interesting information!!!
If you are going, have a great time and be safe! Come on Boro.
Disclaimer - all the information above is given in good faith, the website (mfc1986.co.uk) will not he held responsible for any event occuring from incorrect information given here.
The majority of the information above has been taken from a Czech site about Ostrava. Czech it out for yourself here.