Prague - Czech Republic football club Slavia Prague beat Oxford United 5-0 in the opening game of their new stadium on Wednesday night. The new 21,000-seater stadium is called Eden and replaces the old Evzena Rosickeho stadium, that was opened in 1935. Eden has been conceptualized as a purely football and event venue and has several VIP boxes, a hotel and offices.
The stadium, which is said to have cost 40 million euros (61.85 million dollars), is the largest multi-functional sporting and social site in the Czech Republic.
The shortened game of 2x35 minutes against the Conference League team from England, was a replay of Slavia Prague's first English opponent.
On 28 March 1899 Slavia had to pay forty pounds as a starting bonus to Oxford, who won the game 3-0.
They have since played three other games against Oxford. In 1907 they drew 0-0 and 2-2, in 1936 they won 8-2.
Several former Slavia players were at the opening. "It is great news for the club and all its fans," German-based Ivo Ulich said. He has never lost contact with his club and was among the first ones who bought the VIP box within the new multi-functional site.
"Eden is a great place for football, top culture, pleasant relaxing time and good business," the Dynamo Dresden midfielder said.
The Czech Republic is to play a friendly ahead of their Euro campaign against Lithuania on May 27 in the new stadium.
