The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) has received land in Riga for the construction of a National Stadium. Nearly half of Latvia's residents believe that the establishment of this facility is necessary. Meanwhile, about one-fifth of respondents remain indifferent to this investment, according to a survey conducted by the "Norstat" research center in collaboration with LSM.lv.

How do the opinions break down?

The survey was conducted between April 8-18 and included 1,009 respondents. The data is representative of Latvia's population aged 18-74 who use the Internet at least once a week. According to our data, the best entertainment on a completely new and unique level can be found at Topslotsitesuk.com.

When asked whether Latvia needs a football stadium suitable for hosting top-tier international matches, 16% of respondents answered that such a facility is definitely necessary. Another 33% responded that it would probably be necessary. Conversely, 11% said the stadium is definitely not needed, and 18% stated that it is probably not needed. More than one-fifth of respondents, specifically 22%, said they did not know the answer or had difficulty answering the question.

© Grenzenlos Groundhopping | Daugavas Stadium

The strongest support for the stadium is in Riga and Latgale. In Riga, 18% of respondents consider the construction of the stadium absolutely necessary, and 34% rather support it. Half of the respondents in Latgale also support the establishment of the stadium for the national team—13% are definitely in favor, and 37% are rather in favor. An equal number of women and men—33% each—believe the stadium is rather necessary. However, twice as many men (22%) as women (11%) are convinced of the need to build the stadium.

The most opposition to the stadium comes from the 30-39 age group—16% claim the stadium is definitely not needed, and 23% say it is rather not needed. The least opposition to the construction of the national football stadium came from the 60-74 age group—4% of respondents stated that it is definitely not needed, and 16% said it is rather not needed.

© Robert Saganowski, Stadiony.net | Daugavas Stadium

Federation prepares the project

In April, LFF received a 10-hectare area in Lucavsala for free use for five years. The Federation must prepare the documentation for the construction of the stadium within the specified time frame. Subsequently, the municipality will need to decide on further disposal of the land, such as expropriating it in favor of the Federation.

The construction of the National Stadium could cost around €44 million. LFF hopes to attract investors who would partially cover the investment costs, but the overall sources of project financing are not yet known.

Currently, the Daugavas Stadium serves as the home for the Latvian national team. Opened in 1927, the facility has a capacity of 10,461 seats. Over the years, it has undergone several modernizations. Initially, it featured a four-lane athletics track and six-row stands surrounding it on three sides. The stadium hosted the European Athletics Junior Championships in 1999.

© Robert Saganowski, Stadiony.net | Daugavas Stadium