The Government has allocated 329,855.0 thousand drams from the reserve fund for the acquisition of land plots for the construction of a football stadium in accordance with UEFA standards within the administrative territory of the Getahovit settlement of the Ijevan community of the Tavush region. As noted by the Minister of Education, Science, and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, this state allocation is a significant investment to create new opportunities for public infrastructure and economic activity in the regions.
The Minister reminded that in 2029, Armenia is scheduled to host the FIFA World Youth Championship. "For this purpose, the Football Federations of Armenia and Georgia have submitted a joint application, which UEFA approved. The main condition for hosting the championship in Armenia is the availability of a UEFA Category 4 stadium. The Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia's requirement to establish three such stadiums (including 1 national) has also been enshrined in the 2024-2030 Strategy for the Physical Culture and Sports Sectors. I must remind you that we have already decided to reconstruct the stadium in Vanadzor, which will also meet UEFA Class 4 standards. In this regard, there is also a signed agreement with an international organization that has relevant experience not only in designing, but also in consulting on the implementation of the program," said Zhanna Andreasyan.
"VenueEra Holding" LLC, with international experience in stadium design and construction, has been selected as the designer. According to the Minister, 2 of the stadiums are planned to be built with at least 10,000 seats, and 1, the national one, with 35,000 seats. The national stadium will be built as part of the "Academic City" program. One of the 10,000-seat stadiums will be built in Vanadzor, and the Getahovit settlement of the Ijevan community has been chosen for the other.
The Minister of Education, Science, and Sports also informed that, with the Government's support and in cooperation with the private sector, a similar stadium will be built in Vagharshapat. Regarding the construction of a football stadium in the Geghhovit settlement of Ijevan, the Minister noted that an agreement has been reached with the Tavush regional administration to acquire land plots from 20 owners. Accordingly, a subsidy will be allocated to the Ijevan community administration to implement additional processes.
Referring to the decision, Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the importance of developing road and other infrastructure in the relevant settlements, noting that after the stadiums are operational, the volume of transport and human flows will increase.
