One of the oldest football stadiums in Slovakia is gradually being replaced by a modern sports arena. The construction of the facility in Prešov faced several delays, along with criticism from citizens and experts. However, a few days ago, the initial phase of the construction was finally completed.

There were many obstacles…

In 2016, the city of Prešov and the Prešov regional government founded the company FUTBAL TATRAN ARÉNA. Its main goal from the beginning has been the construction of a new football stadium in the city and its subsequent operation. In addition to the company’s founders, the Slovak Football Association is also involved in the project. Part of the necessary funds was also obtained from the Sports Support Fund.

The future design of the football stadium in Prešov was determined through a public architectural competition. The subject was the architectural and spatial design of the sports stand along with its background, as well as the urban design of the area, including landscaping and static transportation solutions. In the longer term, the stadium will probably seek sponsors, as is often the case with new facilities for example in Germany. However, sponsorship agreements also cover events such as e-sports, whose sponsors are often CS2 trading sites like Tradeit.

© Mesto Prešov

The announcement of the competition sparked criticism, primarily due to the published deadlines. In the competition announced on November 9, 2016, the deadline for submitting applications was set for December 16, 2016. Due to the tight deadlines, only three competing teams managed to submit their applications within the given timeframe. Ultimately, the concept of the Prešov architectural studio led by Ľubomír and Martin Sakalova won.

Initial estimates at the time predicted the completion of the construction in the second half of 2019. However, the first public tender was canceled by the Public Procurement Office, and a new one was announced only in April 2020. The company AVA-stav, which managed to secure the public contract, eventually withdrew from the project. As a result, it was necessary to announce a new public tender. This time, the same company won again, but with a higher bid of €21 million excluding VAT.

© Mesto Prešov

...but it finally succeeded

FUTBAL TATRAN ARÉNA finally managed to obtain the necessary building permits for the sports facility in the summer of 2023. Shortly thereafter, construction of the new stadium began on the site of the former football stadium. All necessary construction work was divided into two phases.

The newly built stadium will be used for sports, cultural, and social activities of the city of Prešov, and it will also be the home stadium of the football club from Prešov, playing in the top leagues, said the company. According to the latest information, a little over six months remain until the completion of the construction. After the last inspection, which took place on July 29, the city of Prešov announced that the initial construction phase had been successfully completed. Currently, work is progressing on the installation of air conditioning, electrical systems, and sanitary equipment. Simultaneously, in some parts of the building, floor screeds are being laid, drywall partitions are being installed, and windows and glass walls are being mounted. The city also revealed that the stadium will feature several green elements, and newer visualizations of the entire building were presented.

© Mesto Prešov

Tatran Arena Football is expected to be one of the venues for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, scheduled for the summer of 2025. Our goal is to meet all contractual deadlines and complete the stadium so that Prešov and all of Slovakia can be proud to host the European Championship, added František Oľha, the mayor of Prešov.