Stadiums – a benefit or a burden

In January 2025, riots broke out after an international football match at the Daugava Stadium in Riga, raising concerns about security in the city centre. This reignited discussions about the need for another stadium – this time on the opposite bank of the river, in Lucavsala, which was previously announced by the Latvian Football Federation.

These and other examples in Riga, the Baltics and elsewhere in Europe show how complex and multifaceted the role of stadiums in urban planning can be.

Riga – from past to future

Daugava Stadium in Riga is a multifunctional sports complex with a history dating back to 1927. Originally, it was the centre of the sports organisation “Workers’ Sport and Guard” (Strādnieku sports un sargs), with a football pitch, athletics sectors and running tracks. During the reign of Kārlis Ulmanis, it was planned to build a stadium in Uzvaras Park that would surpass even the Berlin Olympic Arena, but this idea was never realised.

The Daugava Stadium has undergone several reconstructions, including an arena built in 1950 and an artificial ice skating rink opened in 1960. The stadium’s entrance features Stalinist architectural forms by architect Vladimir Shnitnikov, also known as the architect of the Mezaparks stage before its reconstruction.

Today, Daugava Stadium is a modern sports centre with more than 10 000 seats. In 2024, it received UEFA Category 4 certification, certifying that it meets the highest standards of European football infrastructure.

The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) wants to build a national football stadium, with Lucavsala as a possible location. The LFF is requesting 10 hectares of land and plans a stadium with 16,000 seats, but the financing is not yet clear. The project is important for football development, but the choice of Lucavsala poses challenges. The project is controversial both from the point of view of the city’s residents and from the source of funding. At the moment, Lucavsala is a quiet recreational area in an urban environment. The estimated construction cost is around €50 million, but the sources of funding are still unclear. Questions arise if the construction of a stadium in Lucavsala is the best solution, given the high costs, the loss of green space and allotments, as well as the current high construction costs.

As urban researchers (Baade & Dye (1990)) point out, sport infrastructure projects are often presented as economically viable, but in reality they rarely pay for themselves and often the burden falls on the taxpayer. With the Daugava Stadium recently receiving UEFA Category 4 certification, the question arises – does Riga really need another stadium, or would it be more efficient to invest resources in improving the existing infrastructure? 

Vilnius – in the struggle for influence

The Vilnius National Stadium project has been one of the most complex and longest infrastructure development stories in Lithuania. The idea for a modern stadium dates back to the late 20th century, but for more than two decades the project has been plagued by delays, interrupted construction works and disputes over funding.

The future of the stadium is uncertain, due to the misallocation of significant budgets in previous construction periods.

Due to rising construction costs, design changes and construction failures, the estimated cost of the project has reached €200 million. The project has now also expanded the stadium’s functions, offering several sports and business infrastructure facilities in the adjacent area. The example of Vilnius is interesting in that it vividly illustrates common stadium construction problems.

The ambition to build a stadium in Vilnius could also be interpreted as the result of a symbolic struggle between Vilnius and Kaunas, which have a history of wanting to play a leading role in national identity. The completion of the national stadium would allow Vilnius to acquire another institution of national significance.

The example of Liverpool

In Liverpool, sport, especially football, is deeply rooted in the city’s identity. With two world-famous football clubs – Liverpool FC and Everton FC – the city has become a vibrant centre of football culture. Football matches not only bring locals together, but also attract thousands of tourists and sports fans, contributing to the city’s economic growth and global recognition.

However, the construction of a stadium in Liverpool has been a controversial topic. “Liverpool FC completed the redevelopment of Anfield in 2016, significantly increasing the seating capacity, while Everton FC have long sought a new stadium. In 2021, construction began on the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, which will replace the historic Goodison Park. This new arena promises modern infrastructure and significant economic benefits for the surrounding area.

These changes cost Liverpool its UNESCO World Heritage status. UNESCO noted that the development of the city’s historic harbour, including the new stadium, irreversibly changed Liverpool’s historic skyline. While local officials and football fans saw the stadium as an important development, critics say the city has sacrificed its unique heritage for modernisation and economic gain.

The example of Liverpool raises important questions about whether it is more successful to prioritise the preservation of cultural heritage in a city’s development or the aspirations of its citizens for a modern urban infrastructure. 

Stadiums in urban environments are much more than just sports venues – they become centres of urban identity, places for the community and economic development. As seen in Liverpool, Vilnius and Riga, the planning and construction of these grand structures always ignites a great deal of debate about cultural heritage, financial sustainability and social benefits. Well-developed stadium infrastructure can attract tourists, boost local businesses and create jobs, but they also risk becoming a heavy financial burden. For a stadium to truly serve the public interest, a balanced approach is needed that takes into account economic, social and cultural aspects.