The deadline for completing the construction of Futbal Tatran Aréna is gradually approaching, as the stadium is set to host the UEFA European Under-21 Championship next June. Construction began in July 2023 and has since been plagued by numerous lawsuits and accusations.

Slowdown at the final stretch

Several issues have arisen during the construction, including allegations of fund embezzlement and suspicions of non-transparent management. These challenges have only increased pressure on the involved parties, forcing the city of Prešov to coordinate the project with various funding sources, including the state and the Sports Support Fund.

The situation has been further complicated by recent concerns voiced by Mayor František Oľha, who expressed doubts at a press conference about the stadium being completed on time. According to him, the criminal charges and allegations are threatening the construction's progress and are politically motivated. “We are under tremendous pressure, and workers must cooperate with investigators constantly,” Oľha warned, hinting that he might even consider halting the construction.

He identified MP Martin Eštočák as a potential saboteur, who in turn hired a lawyer to clear his name. “The complaint was anonymous, and the mayor falsely accused him,” Eštočák’s legal representative claimed, describing the situation as a smear campaign. Meanwhile, stadium manager Rastislav Mochnacký made it clear: “There is no turning back. Construction is progressing, and we must do everything necessary.” While awaiting the completion of the stadium in Prešov, fans often focus on online activities - for this purpose they explore the offerings of Golden Grand Casino, which provides information about available Casino Slots, their features, and entertainment options.

© Mesto Prešov

Will it be ready for Euro 2025?

The Slovak Football Association (SFZ) is closely monitoring the situation, awaiting an official update. The first batch of tickets has already sold out, and fans remain hopeful that the U21 EURO will indeed take place in Prešov. The tournament is scheduled to start on June 12, 2025, but the tension remains high until the last minute.

On November 14, the SFZ, the Prešov Self-Governing Region (PSK), the city of Prešov, and the contractor reaffirmed their support for the Futbal Tatran Aréna project during a meeting at the city hall. According to a spokesperson for Prešov, the meeting—initiated by the city’s mayor—was linked to recent developments that forced a slowdown in ongoing construction work after a complaint was filed. “For those workers who come to work every day, do a great job, and are building the most modern stadium in Prešov’s history in record time, it’s devastating to constantly face criticism and accusations of wrongdoing,” said Oľha.

© Mesto Prešov

During the negotiations and an inspection of the stadium, PSK partners, the contractor AVA-stav, s.r.o., city representatives, and the organizing committee for the U21 European Championship participated. “The crucial information for us is that all participants declared a clear shared goal, namely that the European Championship matches will be held at the new stadium in Prešov in June 2025,” added championship organizing committee director Mária Berdisová. AVA-stav, s.r.o., is expected to hand over the facility to the city by February or March 2025. This timeline has been accepted by both the SFZ and the tournament organizing committee.

Disputes over additional costs for finishing the facility

Civic activist Peter Mocák recently highlighted additional expenses deemed necessary for the stadium's construction, amounting to nearly €700,000. The city’s budget for interior furnishings includes more than €346,000 excluding VAT and €200,000 for equipment. Leasing is expected to be the source of financing for these expenditures. Additionally, Mocák pointed to a third item—operational costs amounting to €150,000, which will be financed through an overdraft facility. Prešov’s city spokesperson, Michal Hudák, assured that the stated amounts are accurate and that there has been no increase in previously approved expenditures for Futbal Tatran Aréna, which were originally lower. According to the city hall, these elements were considered because the stadium cannot function without furniture, machinery, and operational needs. The cited €700,000 does not make the construction more expensive; rather, it reflects expenses already accounted for in connection with the stadium.

© Mesto Prešov

Who will fund the arena’s long-term operation?

The overdraft facility of €150,000 will be allocated to fund the stadium’s operation during the initial months following its completion and leading up to the UEFA Under-21 Championship. According to the city, the loan is expected to be repaid after the tournament begins. Further arrangements for financing the stadium’s operation will be determined after the championship. The Prešov Self-Governing Region will retain a 49% ownership stake in Futbal Tatran Aréna, even after the purchase of furniture and machinery. The estimated average monthly cost for the full operation of the stadium is approximately €108,000.