Near Yerevan, in the historic city of Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin), a project is taking shape that could transform Armenian football. FC Noah, the reigning national champion, is building a modern stadium and sports complex that will meet UEFA’s highest standards. More than just an investment in the club, it’s a symbol of a new era for sport in Armenia.

23 hectares of ambition

FC Noah has acquired a 23.8-hectare site within the administrative boundaries of Vagharshapat, with the goal of developing a full-scale football centre – including a stadium, academy, hotels, training pitches, and medical facilities. The investment is valued at around 7 billion Armenian drams (approximately €16 million). Under the signed agreement, the club paid 688 million drams (€1.57 million) for the municipal land and donated an additional 312 million drams (€710 000) for local infrastructure development – a total community contribution of around 1 billion drams (€2.28 million).

Club president Vardges Vardanyan said during the signing ceremony: This is another step toward our dream. We want the entire project to be transparent and for every stage to be open to fans and residents. We thank the community of Vagharshapat for their support. Our goal is to create a facility that all of Armenia can be proud of.

The Armenian government has approved the project as part of its national sports infrastructure development programme, and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed that the state will support the construction of new roads and transport links connecting the city with Yerevan.

© Noah FC | Current Noah FC stadium

A top-class stadium

The planned stadium will hold 15,000 spectators and comply with UEFA standards for hosting European group-stage matches and national team games. It is set to become one of the most modern facilities in the Caucasus, featuring full media infrastructure, HD broadcast lighting, a high-quality pitch and advanced training amenities.

Anna Ohanyan, the club’s director of development, emphasised: We want this to be the best pitch in Armenia. We’ve brought in experts from Qatar to supervise the grass and drainage systems. Every detail matters — this stadium is built to last for decades.

The new complex will also serve as a national football education centre, complete with dormitories and a sports school for young players from across the country. Vardanyan stressed that Noah’s mission goes beyond sport: We want Noah’s success to inspire Armenian children. If they see that something great can be built here, a new generation of players, coaches, and fans will rise.

The construction will be completed in two phases. The first, to be finished by 2030, focuses on expanding the existing football academy in Vagharshapat with hotels, a canteen, a medical centre, saunas, a gym, and training pitches. The second phase will deliver the main stadium with parking, access roads, fan zones, and commercial and recreational areas.

© Noah FC | Current Noah FC stadium

A symbolic location

The choice of site carries deep meaning. Vagharshapat is the spiritual heart of Armenia and the seat of the Catholicos, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. From Noah’s academy, one can see Mount Ararat — the biblical resting place of Noah’s Ark. This symbolism perfectly reflects the club’s name, Noah FC.