The Icelandic government and City of Reykjavík have agreed to build a new, national sporting arena in Laugardalur. The arena will fulfill the requirements for international competition in indoor sports and greatly improve the available facilities for schools and sports associations in Laugardalur. Construction is expected to be completed by 2025.
This was announced in a joint press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Education and Children, and the City of Reykjavík.
The state and the City of Reykjavík have agreed to guarantee funding for the arena’s initial costs in their long-term budgets. A full cost estimate will be available after the final design and a feasibility study are both completed. The division of the total project cost will depend on the utilization of the arena and the needs of each party—the state with an eye to the requirements for international competitions that national sports teams compete in, and the city with an eye to the needs of local sports clubs and sports education.
A special committee will be established to oversee the feasibility study and construction preparations, not least how the financing will be handled.
The Icelandic government and City of Reykjavík will hold a joint competition to determine the arena’s design and overall appearance.
Preparations for a national stadium for track-and-field in Laugardalur and a national football stadium will continue. A market survey will be carried out to lay out clear options for how to proceed with the development of the national football stadium.
