The FMF Beach Soccer Arena (Romanian: Arena de fotbal pe plajă a FMF) is a beach soccer stadium in Chișinău, Moldova. It is located in the La Izvor Park in the Buiucani sector of Moldova's capital. The stadium was inaugurated in August 2020.
Arena de fotbal pe plajă a FMF | |
La Izvor Stadium | |
 The arena in 2023 | |
 | |
| Address | Ghidighici Street Chișinău Moldova |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 47°02′51″N 28°47′08″E / 47.04748592173853°N 28.785556070107557°E |
| Parking | 400 spaces |
| Owner | Moldovan Football Federation |
| Capacity | 1,024 |
| Surface | Sand, Artificial turf |
| Scoreboard | Yes |
| Construction | |
| Built | 2020 |
| Opened | 28 August 2020 |
| Architect | Bruce LaFleur |
| Main contractors | Cavalier Construction |
| Tenants | |
| Moldova national beach soccer team (2020–present) | |
| Website | |
| Official Website | |
The Moldovan Football Federation (FMF), with the collaboration of FIFA and the Chișinău Municipal Council are the responsible parties of the project.[1][2]
Construction
editThe construction project commenced in March 2019. In terms of financing, FIFA played a pivotal role by contributing a substantial portion of the construction costs, covering approximately 80% of the expenses, which amounted to roughly 1 million euros. This financial backing was provided with the condition that the FMF would oversee the arena's management for a minimum period of 25 years.[3]
Opening
editThe FMF Beach Soccer Arena celebrated its formal inauguration on August 27, coinciding with Moldova's Independence Day. The event featured the presence of Moldova's President, Igor Dodon, along with dignitaries representing the Moldovan Football Federation (FMF) and other notable individuals.[4]
Facilities
editThe arena features a seating capacity of up to 1500 spectators, with additional VIP seating for 244. It offers team dressing rooms, referee facilities, a first aid room, and evening event lighting. With its versatile mobile platform, it accommodates various sports year-round, including mini-football, socca and beach volleyball. Surrounding amenities, such as mini-football fields and tennis courts, enhance its appeal as a multifunctional hub for sports and cultural events in Moldova.[5]
Usage
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The FMF Beach Soccer Arena in Chișinău serves as a versatile venue, accommodating sports events like beach soccer, international tournaments such as the Euro Beach Soccer League.[6]
It was the main venue for both Socca EuroCup events held in 2023 and 2024.[7]
It also hosted various cultural performances like concerts by Alternosfera, community engagement, and global sports recognition.[8]
Gallery
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The entrance from the park -
View from the beach -
The arena two weeks prior to opening -
The arena viewed from the orher side of the lake
References
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- ^ "Moldova Beach Soccer Stadium". Playmaker.
- ^ "Top-class Beach Soccer stadium in Moldova close to completion". Beach Soccer Worldwide.
- ^ "În Chișinău va apărea un stadion de fotbal pe plajă". noi.md (in Romanian). 23 December 2019.
- ^ Grecu, Sandu (28 August 2020). "Arena de fotbal pe plajă din Chișinău a fost deschisă!" (in Romanian). fmf.md.
- ^ "Primul Stadion de fotbal pe plajă din țara noastră a fost deschis" (in Romanian). Publika.md. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
- ^ "The 12 Division B teams have landed in Chisinau ready for kick-off tomorrow". beachsoccer.com. 26 July 2022. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "2024 Socca EuroCup – Moldova – Socca".
- ^ "ALTERNOSFERA lansează piesa Imnuri de război în Chișinău printr-un show de proporții la Arena de fotbal din Parcul "La izvor"". ea.md (in Romanian). 31 May 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.