Armenia discusses construction of new stadiums ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup

Armenia continues preparations for the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup. As part of this process, projects for the construction and reconstruction of modern stadiums in Ijevan and Vanadzor are being discussed. The venues are expected to meet UEFA Category 4 requirements.

Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, held a meeting with representatives of the international company VenueERA Holding, which is involved in implementing these projects. The company’s delegation was headed by CEO Jan Jenca. Deputy Minister Hasmik Avagyan and the ministry’s Secretary General Hasmik Hakobyan also attended the meeting.

Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized that the construction and reconstruction of the stadiums are of great importance ahead of the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup. FIFA has already approved the joint bid by Armenia and Georgia to host the tournament. Championship matches are planned to be held in Yerevan, Vanadzor and Ijevan.

According to the minister, the project is important not only for the development of football, but also for improving regional infrastructure, boosting tourism and creating new opportunities for local residents. She noted that the work must be completed within the established deadlines and in accordance with international quality standards.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the main stages of the program’s implementation, as well as FIFA and UEFA technical requirements. It was noted that the stadiums must be ready for operation at least six months before the start of the tournament.

Special attention was paid to road accessibility, logistics, water supply, fire safety and the expansion of adjacent areas. To coordinate the work more effectively, an interagency working group is planned to be established with the participation of all responsible bodies.

Earlier, the Armenian government had already allocated funds for the construction of a football stadium in the administrative territory of the village of Getahovit in the Ijevan community of Tavush Province, as well as for the reconstruction of the stadium in Vanadzor and its upgrade to UEFA Category 4 standards.

The stadiums in Ijevan and Vanadzor are expected to become modern sports centers of regional importance. Each of them will have a capacity of around 10,000 spectators.

VenueERA Holding has experience in designing and building major stadiums that meet UEFA requirements. Its notable projects include Puskás Aréna in Budapest, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia and Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg.