Žalgirio Stadionas – until 2011

Capacity 6 530
Country Lithuania
City Vilnius
Clubs Žalgiris Wilno, FC Vilnius
Build year 1920
Last renovation year 2003
Retire year 2011
Other name Stadion na Pióromoncie (1920-1929), Stadion Miejski (1929-1951), Spartak Stadionas (1951-1961)
Inauguration 1920
Renovations 1924, 1929, 1951
Design Wiktor Anikin (1951)
Address Šeimyniškių gatvė 29, 2040 Vilnius, Lithuania

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Žalgirio – historical stadium description

One of Lithuania’s largest and most famous stadium dates back to times when Vilnius was a Polish city. It was built in early 1920s by Polish club Pogoń Wilno who became its owners. First two stands were opened in 1924, while in 1929 another expansion followed. By 1936 it hosted the Polish Athletics Championship, attended by the president.

Following WWII and transition to Lithuania, the building became home to first Spartak and then Žalgiris (1961), who played here until the very closing of the stadium in 2011. Though its historic value was significant, lack of renovations over the years made it obsolete, even if partial upgrades were made throughout the main grandstand.

Its history didn’t only see numerous league games, but also internationals of the Lithuanian team. At peak the stands offered over 15,000 people, but upon closing the number was reduced to 6,530.

In July 2016 demolition of the building began, making room for Marriott hotel, the very first one in any Baltic country.

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Pictures

2011

  • Žalgirio
    23.07.2011 © Smull

2005

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2016