In July 2023, an investment project commenced aimed at creating the Futbal Tatran Aréna (FTA). The stadium, with a capacity of 6,500 seats, is intended to meet UEFA's third-category criteria. It is being built on the site of the old Štadión Tatran. What do we know about the progress of the work?

Long-awaited investment has begun

The facility in Prešov was opened in 1899, making it the oldest stadium in the country. Plans for a new arena were introduced in 2017, with expectations of completion within the next two years. However, this did not materialize. I admit that we didn't manage to do it. Of course, several other factors contributed, whether it was COVID-19, the crisis, expensive materials, and everything associated with it, said Milan Majerský, chairman of the Prešov region, in an interview with sport.aktuality.sk. And if you don't want to put off your plans, visit Sportbet and check out the wide range of opportunities that will allow you to earn extra money on whatever you want!

The construction tender was won by the company AVA-stav, s.r.o. According to the initial plans, the investment was to be divided into two stages. The first stage, costing €16.38 million, was to include the construction of the main stand, playground, and general earthworks. The second stage, which included additional stands, lighting poles, public lighting, and modifications to the Björnsonova parking lot, was estimated at €4.82 million. Funding for the investment was to be provided by several entities: the Prešov regional government, the city of Prešov, the Slovak Football Association, and the Sports Support Fund. At this point, it is known that the final cost of the investment will be over €1 million higher. It is not clear whose pocket this additional amount will come from.

Dark clouds quickly dispersed

In December, however, certain complications arose. The contractor withdrew its workers from the construction due to missing projects, primarily concerning changes to the main stand. Mayor František Oľha mentioned a potentially catastrophic scenario, whereby they would have to halt construction and likely return over €4.8 million in Sports Support Fund grants. The situation was quickly resolved, and work resumed.

Construction work will continue. The agreement also includes establishing a schedule for delivering project documentation and work schedule, including the suspension of construction, which was necessary due to waiting for UEFA and SFZ approval of project documentation and verification of project documentation so that only European Cup matches are not played in Prešov, representatives of the city of Prešov stated at that time.

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What's happening at Futbal Tatran Arena construction site?

Construction of the building is gradually nearing completion. Stands B, C, and D are already finished, with steel and concrete structures installed. Currently, platforms for television cameras, railings, and the construction of spaces under the stands are being installed. Necessary installations for air conditioning, central heating, and electricity are also being gradually completed. The main stand structure is already finished.

We would like to complete the main construction as soon as possible. I believe this will happen in May. Then we will continue with electrical and other works that are not visibly apparent but are extremely important, said Rastislav Mochnacký, president of Futbal Tatran Arena. Simultaneously, preparations for the pitch area will continue, with all necessary layers being laid down. Rastislav Mochnacký also informed that due to agronomic conditions, the turf will be sown, and this process must be completed no later than September.

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Will they make it on time?

The Futbal Tatran Arena will be one of the venues for the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. During an April session of the city council, the question was raised whether Prešov wants to participate in the organization at all, given the additional costs not covered by the budget. However, it seems that the city will not withdraw from hosting this event at this point. The only current threat is potential delays in stadium construction, as if FTA wants to be the venue for the youth championships, the entire investment must be completed by February 2025.

This deadline has been imposed by the Slovak Football Association. At the moment, everything is progressing according to plan, and according to the venue representative, there is no reason for concern. It will be difficult to start with absolutely the top event that can be organized in Slovakia, but it would be the icing on the cake. This stadium will be of such quality that it deserves, said Rastislav Mochnacký.

Will Pole invest in Tatran Prešov?

For several months, there have been reports about a potential investment by the owner of one of the Polish clubs, specifically Raków Częstochowa, in Tatran Prešov. Discussions between Michał Świerczewski and representatives of the Slovak club are ongoing, but there are several difficulties to overcome. One of them is the stadium where Tatran plays its matches.

Štadión Tatran is owned by two entities – the city of Prešov, which is also the club's owner, and the Prešov region. Additionally, it is subsidized by funds from the Slovak Ministry of Sports and Tourism.

Currently, discussions are ongoing between lawyers associated with the city and Tatran Prešov and lawyers for Michał Świerczewski. The most important issue at the moment is the rental of the stadium. The potential owner would not want to buy it, only rent it. However, this requires reaching an agreement and ensuring all legal aspects are covered, reports sport.tvp.pl, citing a person associated with the club. However, their identity was not disclosed.

© Šport.sk