Košická Futbalová Aréna – construction description

When was the first phase of the new football stadium in Košice completed?

In 2018, the construction of the new football stadium in Košice began. The facility was being built on the initiative of the city, with the help of funding from the state budget. The stadium was to become the main football arena in the city, capable of hosting matches and events at the highest level. The investment was planned in the southern part of the city.

Due to budgeting problems, construction was divided into phases. Initially, two stands were to be built along the length of the pitch, with the construction of the stands behind the goals to follow and subject to funding. The construction was carried out by a consortium of AVA-stav and OHL ŽS SK, with work costing around €17 million.

The first phase was completed behind schedule and the first match - a friendly between FC Košice and FK Slavoj Trebišov (2:0) - took place in the new stadium on February 22, 2022.

How does Košická Futbalová Aréna look after the completion of the first stage of construction?

After the completion of the first stage of construction, the facility has two stands located along the pitch, including the main stand in the west, equipped with full facilities. The capacity of the arena is 5836 spectators. The stadium meets the conditions of UEFA Category III and was hosted by FC Košice, who were promoted to the first division in 2023.

Why is further construction work needed on Košická Futbalová Aréna?

The construction of the stands behind the goals (including the corners), which will enclose the facility into one unit, is still needed for full completion. In December 2021, the Slovak government approved a further €4 million in funding to complete the investment. The rest of the required funds were obtained by the city through a loan.

How is the realisation of the second phase of Košická Futbalová Aréna progressing?

The realisation of the second phase was to be carried out within the existing contract for the construction of the entire stadium and cost €4.6 million. However, due to rising prices, the contractor demanded an additional €1.14 million. The city decided to launch a new tender, which took place in the summer of 2022. The tender was concluded in January 2023 and the winner was AVA-stav, submitting a bid of €5.86 million, so the price was ultimately increased by €1.26 million.

Construction of the missing stands behind the goals (including the corners) started on April 17, 2023, with the end of the work expected in spring 2024. During construction, matches will still be able to be played in the stadium. With the completion of this phase, the stadium construction will be fully implemented. There are still plans to build a football academy, which would be constructed around the facility and include four full-size training pitches.

What is the role of Košická Futbalová Aréna?

With the opening of the two stands, the facility meets the requirements of UEFA Category III, and with the addition of the stands behind the goals, it will be able to accommodate 12,625 spectators and will meet the requirements of UEFA Category IV. The stadium is hosted by FC Košice, who were promoted to the first division in 2023. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, SC Dnipro-1 players played their matches in European cups at this stadium.

It is envisaged that the Slovak national football team will occasionally play at the stadium once it is fully completed. The stadium is also expected to be one of the arenas for the European Under-21 Championship to be held in Slovakia in 2025. The facility can also host a variety of non-sporting events and activities.