Finally, three years after the old one was demolished, Slovakia’s national stadium’s construction began. We’re 72 weeks away from it being ready.

It’s been just over a month since government officials mounted the cornerstone of new national stadium at Tehelne Pole. The ceremony was followed with concrete works from September 10. In just 76 weeks (72 at present) the venue should be ready for handover proceedings.

The project was contracted to Strabag, who agreed to deliver the stadium for €59.8 million ($66.8m). Almost half of that amount will come from the country’s government (€27.2 million). Involvement of public authorities proved necessary to carry out the project after private attempt by entrepreneur Ivan Kmotrik (owner of future hosts Slovan) failed to result in actual construction.

Currently the project is overlooked by the government, Slovak football federation NFŠ and Slovan. The two latter bodies will become tenants from 2019 onwards, when the planned stadium opens for both league and national team games.

With capacity planned in excess of 22,000 seats, the new national stadium will meet all UEFA Category 4 criteria, allowing international games and possibly hosting rights for the Supercup.

Construction’s launch brings a sigh of relief after prolonged period without a national stadium. The previous ground at Tehelne Pole was closed in 2009 and demolished entirely in 2013. Despite attempted groundbreaking in 2014 and some works in 2015, the project never really took off. Now, with public support, it’s most likely to succeed in delivering Slovakia’s largest and most modern football venue.