Sporta 2 Kvartals: Art, Business, Oysters and wine

Although located in the city center, it’s seemingly hiding from the public eye in the neighborhood of Skanstes. Surrounded by modern, freshly constructed buildings and two football stadiums, the easiest way to notice this square is by a large writing on one of the walls saying “Sporta 2”. Still, the goal here is to get to the other side of this house because the fun part is in the courtyard.

That’s just for the time being however. This creative district has been most actively improved over the last 3 years and future plans are bright. If everything goes as the owners have planned, this will turn into one of the most modern cultural venues of the entire city. And everything so far seems like there’s no reason to think Sporta 2 can’t become a monumental space combining offices, art studios and recreational places.

From pastila and marmalade factory to IT and art center

Sporta 2 quarter was once owned by a malt factory. “L.W. Goegginger”, a company that produced sweets, biscuits, chocolate, and preserves, established themselves here in 1881. After the nationalization in 1940, the factory had a rebranding and was now called “Uzvara”, a chocolate and candy factory. In translation to English it would mean “Victory”.

Later on, after Latvia regained its independence, this company joined together with the famous Latvian brand “Laima” and continued to produce sweets together while losing the original name. “Laima” and later also “Staburadze” kept producing sweets here till 2016 but since 2017, a new direction started being implemented. Combining business with art, the first companies to set their headquarters here were contemporary art center “kim?” and one of the largest IT coworking spaces in Latvia – “Tech Hub”. The latter have moved away now but other innovative companies have successfully replaced them by now.

Contemporary art center “Kim?”

Founded in 2009, takes its name from the question “what is art?” (“Kas Ir Māksla?” in Latvian). The organization offers exhibitions, lectures, discussions, a library, publications, and events related to recent art, theory, and social issues. “Kim?” supports emerging artists, curators, and thinkers by providing a supportive environment for their work and making critical practices accessible to a wider audience.

More info: kim.lv

The foundation of Imants Ziedonis “Viegli”

A foundation dedicated to arguably the most beloved and admired Latvian poet – Imants Ziedonis. It was started in 2010 with an aim to implement a mission that’s close to the legendary poet’s heart: “Latvia is a land of wonders, but the beautiful must be helped to emerge.” This foundation brings well-known local musicians and artists together to co-create and inspire.

Part of this initiative is to also educate kids about Imants Ziedonis and his work through various unusual ways, like playing games and watching performances. It’s called “Classroom of Ziedonis”.

More info: Viegli

Space and music venue “OratoriO”

Opened quite recently in 2020, this is a brand new venue where artists from all around Latvia come to make something absolutely unique happen. Drama events made by actors who usually work in different theaters. Concert events from freshly put together teams of solo artists and creative performances in a cozy environment.

One of the curators here is already a legendary status deserving actress – Rēzija Kalniņa. Together with her husband, classical music expert Ainārs Rubiķis and business woman Elita Moiseja they aim to establish “OratoriO” as a top class art venue.

More info: OratoriO

Gastranomic Experience

Whether you’ve come here to attend a special event, one of the previously mentioned venues or just a business meeting with any of the other 20 companies set on Sporta 2 square, you might want something to eat or drink. Thankfully, that is well thought of here too.

From local craft beer, to exclusive wine with Oysters. We couldn’t say that there are many places here to choose from but in this case quality surely is more important than quantity. There’ll be three good options to choose from.

Gastrobar Sporta pagalms

This 2-floor Gastrobar is everything you would expect from a cool bar. They often hold events with live music, stand-up, vinyl nights, DJs complimented by good food and nice cold beer.

Especially pleasant during the summer time as their outside terrace is set in a yard between four buildings, meaning no strong wind blowing your hat away. And no people or cars driving by.

More info: Pagalms

Paisums

But what if you’re feeling a bit more fancy or like trying something out of the everyday ordinary? Well then here’s something very unusual for Riga and Latvia generally. Sea food experts who serve fresh and tasty oysters, lobsters and king crabs. Of course, having a glass of wine in such circumstances is an absolute necessity so they have thought of the perfect selection of wines to compliment your choice of seafood.

More info: Paisums

Gastrobar Zefīrs

Last but definitely not least – a gastrobar which combines the best from both previously mentioned places. Classy yet pleasantly minimalistic and simple – “Zefīrs”. Providing an exceptional combination of high quality food and drinks.

They pride themselves in having highly skilled Pizza experts so if there’s one thing you simply must try here it’s Pizza! The beer selection here goes deep and far, so unless you have tried every beer there is – “Zefīrs” will surely have something to surprise you.

More info: Zefirs

Future of Sporta 2

As may already be seen in the neighborhood of Skanstes which surrounds Sporta square – the plans here are big. This district is being turned into a modern space for businesses to grow and people to enjoy. “Sporta 2 kvartāls” is no exception.

The aim is to create an urban quarter that is vibrant, appealing, and versatile. It will incorporate modern design elements as well as some of the authentic historical features of the area. The project will prioritize sustainable solutions for the office sector while also accommodating retail, services, and residential functions. Public and corporate events, restaurants, and cafes will also be included. Additionally, the owners of this project “Linstow Baltic” intend to build on the already established recreational and cultural activities in the area.

You may see what the future of “Sporta 2” looks like here