StadiumDBNews: Febuary 2013
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Baku: Major changes to the Olympic Stadium
Construction just got over twice as costly as was expected to be, stands may grow some more, while the whole stadium will look… completely different than envisaged. Here’s what we can confirm about Central Asia’s showpiece venue in the making.
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Germany: Alemannia Aachen moving to… the Netherlands
The Aachen-based third league club is insolvent and cannot afford to play at its brand new stadium. There seems to be no realistic alternative in nearby German towns, so the club will move to Dutch Kerkrade for next season, ad.nl informs.
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Poland: Bialystok stadium further delayed
The municipality and Spanish contractors agreed for a later delivery date. First two stands of the new stadium are to be ready by the end of June, though they were due… last week. Gazeta.pl reports.
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London: Arsenal preparing Bergkamp’s statue
Due to be revealed this summer, Dennis Bergkamp’s monument was already presented to the public. Club legend is to be remembered as he controls the ball in the air.
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England: Slight delay for Rovers
Old stadium is expected to be replaced by a Sainsbury’s supermarket and only when this is secured, work on new one can start. Decision was due by mid-February, but has already been delayed twice, now set for March 5, thisisbristol.co.uk reports.
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New design: BJK Inönü Stadi
They waited long years, saw many various concepts, but this time it seems to be coming true at last. In mid-2013 work is to begin at cult Inönü, where a completely new stadium is to be built. And though new, this one is to pay tribute to the place’s past.
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Norway: Pyrotechnics not (entirely) legal again
Behind closed doors, without any contact with supporters, Norwegian football association banned flares from Tippeligaen again, Aftenposten.no reads. No wonder fans aren’t quite happy about it.
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France: Marseille mocks atmosphere at Parc des Princes
“The most beautiful soundbox of France experienced a few vibrations. But in the English style of Arsenal, without a tifo upon players’ entrance or continuity in the chants”. This is how Olympique Marseille describes the – according to them – poor atmosphere of French ‘Clasico’.
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Lebanon: New stadium for Beirut?
That’s the promise, but it’s one awaiting fruition for some time already. And more, it would come at the cost of existing Beirut Municipal Stadium, which is surprisingly popular as a leisure spot for local residents.
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Sydney: Retractable roof and mobile stands for ANZ Stadium?
Initial budget and detailed plans have been revealed for the redevelopment of Sydney 2000 Olympics venue. Transparent roof over the pitch and moving stands are to put it among world’s most modern venues, news.com.au reports.
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Brazil: Teenager confesses to stadium tragedy
He’s just 17 and claims he cannot live with what he did. Young supporter of Corinthians admitted it was him setting off the signal flare that killed 14yo Kevin Beltran in Bolivian Oruro, Xinhua reports.
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Stadium of the Year 2012: Arena do Grêmio!
There could be only one winner and surprisingly to us this stadium took lead on the 2nd day of the vote and held it firmly until the very end. Massive support from Brazil played a great role, but other nationalities also regarded Porto Alegre’s new stadium very highly!
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Stadium of the Year 2012: 2nd place – Stadion Narodowy
To be completely honest, we thought we had a winner before the vote even started. But in the end it turned out Polish national stadium got passed by quite a few votes. Even Polish voters didn’t give it the advantage we expected.
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Stadium of the Year 2012: 3rd place - Grand Stade Lille-Métropole
Among most popular Nominees from first to last day of the vote, placed in top 5 by readers from all countries. Is 3rd place high or low? Surely a well-deserved podium spot!
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Munich: Bayern president supporting pyrotechnics?
Uli Hoeneß is known Rather from critical statements towards supporters. This made his recent quote a surprising one. Bayern president announced he would support flares inside Allianz Arena, if there is a safety concept.
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Stadium of the Year 2012: Vote closed, thank you!
Exactly at midnight (CET) we stopped counting your votes in this year’s edition of ‘Stadium of the Year’. We knew a few days ago that you broke the all-time attendance record, for which we’re very grateful! And in 20 hours the winner will be known.
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New designs: Top three visions for national stadium in Minsk
International competition over, prizes given out. Let’s see the three best concepts according to Belarusian jury. Winning one seems to make the best of existing structure.
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Poland: League authorities officially request better treatment of fans
In a statement published yesterday, Ekstraklasa SA informs it has officially addressed the parliamentary commission to change current legislation. Entering the stadium is more difficult nowadays than getting on an airplane.
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New design: Grand Stade Constantine
Does this one remind you of Poznan’s Euro 2012 stadium? It sure should, because it’s the same office on the job. Polish MCS and Algerian Concept Design have just been selected as best bidders to design massive sports complex in Constantine, Algeria.
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Istanbul: Pyroshow inside an empty stadium
After flares landing on the pitch UEFA ordered Fenerbahçe to play behind closed doors against BATE Borisov. But they couldn’t close the sky above it, allowing host supporters to pour a rain of flares…
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Bolivia: Young boy killed by flare at Copa Libertadores
Shocking incident took place on Wednesday night in Bolivian Oruro, where local San Jose were facing Brazilian Corinthians. A ginal flare rocket was launched from the away section and hit a 14-year-old boy in the face, causing his death. Police arrested 12 people so far.
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New design: Stadion Falubazu under cover
Polish speedway mecca Zielona Góra is currently carrying out second phase of stadium redevelopment. But as foundations are laid for second new stands, a drastic change for the better was presented with the ground to get complete roof over stands and racing track.
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Belfast: Green light for new Windsor Park
After years of stagnation it may turn out that the redeveloped national stadium will be only the first step of what is called the ‘sporting village’, BBC reports. Works may start this year.
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Nuremberg: 1. FC Nürnberg to build a new stadium?
Is this a realistic plan or just a way to say that the club isn’t happy with current lease terms? Time will tell, but so far sports director claims the club will run a feasibility study, whether a redevelopment or construction from scratch would be better.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Stadion Utama Riau
We’re not going to tell you it’s the best one, but we’re pretty sure there is room for a different view on sport stadiums, especially in countries that have a different sport reality.
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Malaysia: Roof over Terengganu stadium collapsed again!
Works have barely restarted after catastrophe from 2009 and we have a second one. No roof is left over the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, while 5 people were slightly injured in the accident.
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Nuremberg: Grundig didn’t make everyone happy
New naming rights deal for Frankenstadion is a relief after much hated “easyCredit Stadion”, but for some fans no sponsor should take the name. They’ve been fighting for several years and aren’t stopping now, saying this deal only makes them stronger.
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Moscow: Spartak signs „Otkritie Arena” deal
The club announced signing of naming rights deal with financial firm Otkritie. The lucrative agreement is to bring Spartak €30 million over the period of 6 years.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Stadion Narodowy
One of the strongest Nominees, not only for its Polish origin. It’s simply a challenge to name more than a few stadia worldwide that could compete in many terms. But make no mistake, it’s got its darker side as well…
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Hamburg: New attendance record with new stand
Since the redevelopment started in 2006, no game saw crowd as big as yesterday. According to the club, Monday game against Cologne has every single seat taken.
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Euro 2020: Brno to bid for Czech Republic?
Detailed project is ready, but the city couldn’t secure sufficient funding on its own. Euro 2020 gives a chance for central budget support as this is the only venue throughout the country that might host the Europe-wide tournament, Brněnský deník reports.
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Rio de Janeiro: Maracanã workers on warning strike
Work stopped for one day yesterday and will be halted further if authorities don’t meet the demands of workers on site. They expect better working conditions. Will authorities agree in race against time?
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London: No Deal for West Ham’s tenancy. Again…
LLDC and West Ham were thought to sign their 99-lease deal today, but despite rumors of an agreement, it’s not happening yet again. Will March be luckier?
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Stade Océane
The great blue – this is how we’d describe it. Clear identity, clear form, something to plunge into with pleasure. And, of course, well deserved name for a dockyard stadium…
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England: Oldham Athletic planning a new North stand
Planning application has been filed last week, giving Latics’ fans new hope for fully enclosed stadium. Since 2008 their Boundary Park hasn’t got any stand to the north and plan to change that in mid-2014.
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Italy: Cagliari’s stadium to be demolished?
According to La Nuovo Sardegna, the Stadio Is Arenas could be torn down as it is an illegal structure that should not have been given planning permission given its close proximity to the Montelargius wetlands.
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Moscow: Spartak stadium colour affair
Instead of recognized red-white paintwork a blue-white mood for the new Spartak stadium was announced by Kommersant today. Except that blue-white is the colour scheme of Dynamo, Spartak’s bitter rivals. No wonder club owner himself decided to take a stand.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Sparda-Bank-Hessen-Stadion
Simple and cheap doesn’t mean bad – this stadium proves it. Even if major drawbacks can be found in the new Offenbach football stadium, it’s still great value for the money spent.
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New stadiums: Morelia, León, La Piedad
Two World Cups, summer Olympics and all this at just one of the three stadia we add today. Each of them has a nice story to tell, so be sure to check latest additions to our Mexican database.
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Glasgow: Fans agree on naming rights for Ibrox
… but only with ‘Ibrox’ still being included in the new name. Over 300 supporters gathered yesterday and gave green light for a potential deal, with Sports direct being considered potential partner, heraldscotland.com reads.
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Africa: Soldiers protecting stadium from curse in Malawi
Before a crucial tie in Malawian top flight soldiers were deployed at Silver Stadium in capital Lilongwe. Their task was to prevent people from placing amulets that they believe might influence the outcome. Nyasa Times report.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: New York Stadium
Probably one of the least favorite stadiums on the list, but that’s a compliment for stiff competition rather than affront for Rotherham United’s new venue. Especially that taking United’s needs, we think it’s really sufficient.
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Azerbaijan: Olympic Stadium, but at whose cost?
Baku will be the first ever host of European Olympic Games. Construction of a new 65,000-seater Olympic Stadium is under way, but residents around it don’t know what will happen to them. Their homes are marked for demolition without any details as to when.
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South Africa: Cape Town Stadium roof leaking, but this isn’t its only problem
One place a roof shouldn’t leak is the press section. Because there’s nothing as bad as journalists furious about their matchday experience sharing it with the rest of the world. Cape Town is only now learning this…
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Minneapolis: Contractor for $975-million stadium selected
Not giants from other states, but local Mortenson Construction was selected as preferred contractor for the $975-million Vikings Stadium. Now final design is expected to be worked on…
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Netanya Stadium
If we were to name a typical Israeli stadium, we’d go for this one. Not because it’s that much like others, but it’s got the characteristics and fits there more than anywhere else.
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Germany: Nuremberg stadium renamed
Electronic company Grundig acquired naming rights for the Nuremberg-based Frankenstadion yesterday. The deal lasting until 2017 is worth over €3 million – DPA reports.
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Romania: More new stadiums? Time for Craiova and Suceava
Authorities in Craiova remain determined to bring a new stadium to the city and even raise the ambition to 38,000 spectators. Meanwhile in less known Suceava a private partner may build the much needed stadium.
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Perth: Giant stadium relocated yet again?
Despite the concept being drawn back in 2007, one more turnabout may come in the Perth stadium saga. Relocation to a site planned previously is yet again brought up. Will the city get its stadium by 2018? – WAtoday.com.au asks.
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Warsaw: Events at Stadion Narodowy potentially illegal?
One of former contractors has filed a notice of potential crime being committed at Polish national stadium. According to Alpine Construction the stadium hasn’t been safe ever since Euro 2012.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Myresjöhus Arena
We’ve been asked, why we even consider stadia like this a competition for major arenas. but for us, Stadium of the Year would become pointless if we excluded real football stadiums, especially those that stand out from the rest…
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London: Tottnham stadium a step closer
The Spurs stadium project moved a step forward after Haringey Borough Council agreed to buy land for the Northumberland Park project. Now residents will not be able to file legal challenges over ‘right to light’.
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Italy: Cagliari stadium result of embezzlement? Major figures arrested
In a morning raid of police forces mayor and president of Cagliari Calcio were arrested along with public works manager of the city of Quartu Sant’Elia. They were supposed to illegally finance the new stadium of Cagliari from public funds.
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Hannover: Naming rights saga ends, time for new sponsor
After 11 years the rebuilt stadium in Hannover has to find a new sponsor. Partners haven’t reached an agreement to further prolong their cooperation. Who will be next? German agency DPA has some names…
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: London Olympic Stadium
The largest venue nominated this year, with amazing Olympics already hosted, but a very uncertain future ahead of it. With broken promises and quite some opposition…
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Lyon: Contract signed, new stadium in 30 months
Despite not having all necessary funding sorted out yet, Olympique Lyonnais signed the contract with Vinci to deliver their new 61,000-capacity stadium within 30 months. This means yet another delay compared to initial plans.
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Brazil: Geral stand closed for one game
Grêmio won’t be able to let people into the standing section in their upcoming Copa Libertadores fixture. The club also has to pay a fine and will see the entire new arena closed, if any other accident happens within the next two years.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Incheon Football Stadium
Futuristic outer shell, almost flawless interior layout and a football-specific one to begin with – this isn’t common in Korea. In our opinion the best venue opened there since the 2002 World Cup, if not ever at all.
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Milan: Inter found its dream plot for new stadium
It’s been widely commented in Italy for a few days now, as Inter have met with authorities of San Donato district to discuss relocation. Their 60,000-capacity stadium might be ready in 2017, reports Il Giorno.
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Berlin: Derby in a league of their own
Union is growing, Hertha got weaker – this enables them to meet and decide superiority in Berlin. And if you see over 74,000 people in a 2nd league clash (with 25,000 being the away crowd!), than it can only be Berlin, really.
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New design: Houston Football Stadium
It won’t be much bigger than its predecessor, but it’s not the size that decided here. New stands will allow incomparable commercialization possibilities to bring more revenue from the university of Houston football games…
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Grand Stade Lille
Largest French stadium opened since 1998 World Cup. One of the most advanced venues ever, possibly with a technical breakthrough. Surely one of the most universal in years. Is this enough for you?
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Budapest: Works on Ferencváros new stadium to start in March
General contractor still needs to be selected, but if all goes as planned, groundbreaking works on new Flórián Albert stadium should start in mid-March. It's expected to be among the cheapest and still most modern in its class.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Friends Arena
If a sports arena is suitable for almost any kind of event, can it retain a true football ambiance? Upcoming years should give us an answer in Sweden and things surely look interestingly...
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New design: Gamba Osaka Stadium
It's been the dream for the last 5 years. As enthusiasm weakened in recent months it's not certain the dream will be introduced in the shape it was hoped to be. But nevertheless, it's hard to find a similar project done in Japan since the 2002 World Cup.
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Brussels: Obstacle for Anderlecht?
Municipal Consultation Committee of Brussels approved the plan of stadium expansion by Anderlecht. But only under strict conditions. These don't seem acceptable for the club, who now await mayor's stance.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Estádio Raimundo Sampaio
Its aesthetics are arguable, to put it gently. But surely it's instantly recognisable and works more than fine for regular league games, allowing supporters to create quite some atmosphere. And at the end of the day, this is what stadia should do best.
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Budapest: New giant screens just before building a new stadium?
To some this comes as a surprise – tender has been launched to deliver 2 giant screens for the outdated Ferenc Puskas Stadium. This comes despite plans of a new 65,000-seat stadium awaiting implementation, vg.hu reports.
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USA: No contractor selected for Minneapolis so far
Public company organising the tender for a $975-million stadium was to announce the contractor's name yesterday. But instead, they only narrowed it to two firms, declaring final selection in a few days, postbulletin.com reads.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Bunyodkor Stadioni
Our most exotic nomination ever, as Central Asia is still pretty much undiscovered in terms of football. And of all the exotic stories there, one of Bunyodkor and their stadium clearly stands out.
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France: Second national stadium project presented!
Today the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced the designers and future shape of their 82,000-seat stadium in Ris-Orangis. Of three finalists Populous were selected to carry out the design work.
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San Jose: Earthquakes to start construction in late February
Despite having its groundbreaking back in October, the new stadium of San Jose Earthquakes still exists only on paper. Actual construction should begin on February 26, bizjournals.com reads.
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Edinburgh: New stadium at Meadowbank?
The future of Edinburgh's Meadowbank Stadium is hanging in the balance after the city council launched a consultation on the future of the sports centre, STV reports.
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Italy: Cagliari finally having a home stadium?
In what seems to be a breakthrough decision, court has overthrown Serie A's decision to relocate Cagliari's home fixture against Milan. The high profile match can now be played in Is Arenas, where the club set up a temporary stadium.
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Stadium of the Year 2012 Nominee: BBVA Compass Stadium
It wasn't even a year and we already know that its capacity isn't enough. But this was what MLS requested, so this is what they've got. And compared to other MLS venues, this one clearly stands out. Not that it doesn't deserve to...
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New design: Amazing makeover for Montpelier
It's a real shame we won't see this stadium done for Euro 2016, but UEFA already made their selection. Besides, it won't be ready until 2017. Still, this won't look like an 'early 1990s stadium' any more!
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England: Reading to expand Madejski Stadium by over 50%?
After their 4-year absence in the Premier League, Reading FC are again considering expansion of their home ground. Possible increase may raise capacity to 38,000. But first the team needs to avoid relegation. BBC reports.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: Arena do Grêmio
It combines modern infrastructure with traditions, commercialisation with resistance to this kind of approach. And the stadium already pays the price for these combinations as criticism thunders from media and authorities. But hey, at least they searched for a compromise, a thing many clubs didn't bother to consider.
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New design: Alternative for Bristol City
After their relocation plans suffered numerous blows, the club prepared an alternative vision. This time a complete revamp of existing stands would result in 26,000 seats and modern facilities “ready for the next 100 years”.
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Russia: Fraud investigation launched in St Petersburg
This wasn't only possible, but almost certain to happen. Criminal investigation for possible frauds or negligence at Zenit stadium's construction site was launched. What's next for one of the most expensive stadia in history? Rsport.ru reports.
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Africa: Uganda to restart works on national sports complex
Though commenced over 15 years ago, the national sports centre has only received its central stadium so far. But as funding is available, surrounding infrastructure is to be built now, newvision.co.ug reports.
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Stadium of the Year Nominee: 8 km Stadionu
Smallest venue nominated for this year's award shows very well, that you don't have to build a giant arena to meet all important expectations. And in fact, do even more...
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Brazil: Bitter-sweet reopening of Mineirão
Parking chaos, information chaos, technical flaws. It was bad enough for operator to be fined for Mineirão's first game after redevelopment. But on the other hand the game itself was a memorable moment with capacity crowd and hot atmosphere.
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Brazil: CONMEBOL investigating the accident in Porto Alegre
Arena do Grêmio isn't having the perfect opening run with last week's accident resulting in official investigation by CONMEBOL, South America's football federation.
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South Africa: Collusion inflated prices of most expensive stadia
Two most expensive venues of the 2010 World Cup had their costs rigged by contractors – ongoing inquiry reveals. Their price tags rose significantly throughout construction – Cape Town Argus reports. Will cities get their money back now?
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New design: Stadion Georgi Asparuhov
They started with a bang! First new stadium in Bulgaria in years is under construction since yesterday. On Sunday the main stand has imploded, making way for construction works to begin.
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Winnipeg: Investors Group Field to open in May
Before football and music fans come here in June, Christians will gather at Investors Group Field in May. Their event will be a test at the same time, as organizers hope for a massive turnout. Report by Winnipeg Free Press.
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South Africa: Criticism over Nelspruit and Port Elizabeth hosting
“Disgraceful” is one of many words used to describe the pitch of Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Still, organizers decided not to move fixtures somewhere else. Meanwhile in Port Elizabeth very few people bothered to come to games, leaving vast majority of seats empty.
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Croatia: Hajduk hires prisoners to clean Poljud
Due to poor financial condition one of Croatia’s most famous clubs is forced to hire prisoners to clean the stadium after games – Mondo.re reports.
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Netherlands: Ajax and Zwolle (still) expanding their stadia
Both clubs already increased the number of seats in recent months, but in both cases it’s still not enough. Extra seats will be added between existing stands and the pitch.
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England: New York Stadium unfriendly to disabled supporters?
It’s worse than its 100-year-old predecessor, claims a Rotherham United fan, who has been going to games for the last 20 years. Providing a facility that could hold disabled fans before games is, however, ‘not practical’ for United. South Yorkshire Times report.
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Berlin: New stand opens today at Union stadium
Not 18,500 anymore, but almost 22,000 – that’s the capacity of Alte Försterei since today, as the new main grandstand is ready for opening. Berliner Zeitung wonders if this won’t challenge the unique atmosphere around Union, considered to be a cult club.
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Rotterdam: De Kuip to become a monument?
If Feyenoord succeed and build their desired new stadium across the street, what should happen to the current venue, 75-year-old De Kuip? Architectural historians say it would make a great national monument. Rijnmond.nl report.
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