After years of delays and several design changes, the residents of Prešov can finally celebrate the completion of their new football stadium. Tatran Arena, with a capacity of 6,500 seats, has been finished just in time for the upcoming UEFA Under-21 European Championship, despite two work stoppages and the total investment climbing to over €24 million.

Despite many obstacles, the project is done

The project began with the demolition of the old Tatran Prešov stadium back in January 2018, but actual construction only started five years later. Along the way, unexpected underground utilities, slag remnants, and the old grandstand foundations forced multiple design revisions. The Futbal Tatran Aréna has received the name of club legend Ladislav Pavlovič.

I’m proud we met the deadline, said Mayor František Oľha. The venue still awaits UEFA certification, and annual maintenance is estimated at nearly €1 million. To ensure the stadium's long-term financial sustainability, city authorities are considering privatizing the football club.

© Futbal Tatran Arena

A symbolic opening and a celebration of legends

The official opening took place on May 3, highlighted by an exhibition match featuring Slovak football legends – Internacionáli Slovenska and the Klub ligových kanonierov – taking on former Tatran Prešov players. The hosts won 3–2, with the first kick of the game taken by the legendary Antonín Panenka. A large crowd of fans filled the stands.

The event came just one day after Tatran Prešov secured promotion to Slovakia’s top-tier league. The players received a standing ovation while presenting the trophy for winning the second division. It feels amazing to open the new stadium with the trophy in hand. It’s been a tough season, but Prešov belongs in the top flight, said goalkeeper Adrián Knurovský.

© Futbal Tatran Arena

A UEFA U-21 Championship venue

Tatran Aréna will be one of the host venues for the 2025 UEFA U-21 European Championship, which will be held in Slovakia. The first match in Prešov is scheduled for June 12, and tickets have long since sold out.