The site of former national stadium has been overgrown by weeds, but the long wait is about to end. Groundbreaking on the new 20,000-capacity stadium is expected on Monday.

In October 2013 the demolition works of former national stadium at Tehelne Pole was complete. But instead of new 20,000-seater’s build supporters were treated to a year-long deadlock caused by lack of ground lease agreement. That resulted in nature reclaiming parts of the abandoned site, which currently looks like this (photo from September):

The new stadium is expected to be a public-private venture and it wasn’t until September this year that conditions for lease were set. Recently signed agreement allows Ivan Kmotrik (owner of slovan Bratislava) to go forward with his scheme.

This Monday (Dec 8) construction is due to officially begin, though we should only see symbolic works on the day. However, there’s a firm deadline of Dec 31, 2017 for the project’s delivery. By that time the new stadium should look like this:

Together with the new 20,000-capacity stands, extensive commercial infrastructure is planned at Tehelne Pole. Hotel, offices and shopping centre are to adjoin the football ground. Its cost is set at €70-72 million, of which the Slovak government will provide €27 million.