The Chișinău Arena (Romanian: Arena Chișinău) is an indoor sporting arena located in Stăuceni, Chișinău, Moldova. The facility has a seating capacity of up to 5,000 for concerts and features various amenities, including an aquatic centre, ice rink, sports courts and conference rooms.[1]
 | |
 The arena in 2024 | |
| Address | 130 Calea Orheiului Street Stăuceni, Chișinău Moldova |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Concerts: 10,000 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | October 2018 |
| Built | 2018–2020 |
| Opened | 24 December 2022 |
| Website | |
| arenachisinau.md | |
History
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The concept of Chișinău Arena was initiated in 2018 as part of a government-led effort to enhance Moldova's sports and entertainment infrastructure. The project aimed to establish a modern, multipurpose facility capable of hosting a wide range of events, from sports competitions to concerts and conferences. Construction of the arena began in October 2018, with the Turkish company Summa overseeing the fast-tracked project.[2] The construction was completed in 2020, but the opening was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Ukrainian band Okean Elzy announced they would perform at the grand opening of Chișinău Arena on 24 December 2022.
Entertainment
editThe venue has hosted concerts by various artists including Valery Meladze, Zemfira, Okean Elzy, Bi-2 and B.U.G. Mafia.[3]
Sports
editChișinău Arena will host the 2025 UEFA Under-19 Futsal Championship from 28 September to 5 October 2025.[4]
Criticism
editChișinău Arena has faced criticism primarily related to its cost and the prioritization of resources.[5] Critics argue that the substantial investment required for the construction could have been allocated to other pressing needs in Moldova, such as healthcare, education, or infrastructure in less developed areas. Additionally, concerns were raised about the speed at which the project was completed, with some questioning whether the quality of construction might have been compromised in the rush to meet deadlines.[6] There have also been doubts about the long-term financial sustainability of the arena, particularly regarding its maintenance costs and the ability to consistently attract enough events to justify the investment.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Despre ARENA". arenachisinau.md (in Romanian). Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "Chisinau Arena - PROJECT DETAILS". SUMMA - Official Website. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "Arena Chișinău - Evenimente". arenachisinau.md.
- ^ "Moldova to host 2025 U19 Futsal EURO in Chișinău". UEFA.com. 24 September 2024.
- ^ "Alte peste 65 de milioane de lei pentru Arena Chișinău. Cât va mai trebui să plătească Guvernul pentru inspirația lui Andrian Candu". Anticoruptie.md. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "ituație critică la Arena Chișinău: "Compania turcă refuză să mai suporte cheltuielile pentru pază și întreținere". Câți bani va pierde statul" (in Romanian). Unimedia.md. 25 October 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "Arena Chișinău: nota de plată și mizele afacerii" (in Romanian). Radio Europa Liberă. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
External links
edit
Media related to Arena Chișinău at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website (in Romanian)