Timișoara celebrates the signing of a new stadium contract

The long-awaited contract for Timișoara's new stadium has finally been signed, marking a significant milestone for the city. Alfred Simonis, the president of the Timiș County Council, expressed relief and excitement, stating, 'Important este că proiectul s-a deblocat și contractul este semnat.' This new arena will feature 32,000 seats and is set to become the second largest stadium in Romania, following the National Arena in Bucharest.

Construction of the new stadium is projected to cost around 140 million euros. The National Investment Company will oversee its construction, and Timiș County Council has pledged at least 125 million lei to support the project in the 2026-2027 period. The financing from the National Investment Company is expected to be available by 2028.

The previous stadium, 'Dan Păltinișanu,' has already been demolished to make way for this ambitious project. Simonis acknowledged the challenges faced along the way, including numerous legal disputes and local political resistance. He noted that many had questioned the viability of the investment, calling it a 'faraonic' project, yet he emphasized that Timiș County contributes significantly to the national budget.

Reflecting on the journey to this achievement, Simonis remarked, 'Timișoara și Timișul au așteptat suficient,' highlighting the patience of the community. He also thanked the Romanian government for allowing them to use local funds for the construction, noting that Timiș County has already funded over ten stadiums across the country. This project is not just a local investment; it's a symbol of Timișoara's resilience and commitment to progress.