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Darius and Girėnas Stadium
Football stadium in Lithuania From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Darius and Girėnas stadium (Lithuanian: Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas) is a multi-use stadium in Kaunas, Lithuania. With a seating capacity of 15,026, it is the largest stadium in Lithuania and the Baltic states.[1] Located in the Ąžuolynas park in Žaliakalnis district, it serves as a venue for football matches, athletic competitions, and other events. In 1998, the stadium was renovated according to UEFA regulations, and in 2005, it was modernised with the installation of the biggest stadium television screen in the Baltic states. The latest renovation started in 2018 and ended in 2022. During the sporting season, at least 50 events are held here annually.
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History
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The first stadium in this place was designed and established by Steponas Darius and Kęstutis Bulota in 1923, and completed in 1925. In 1935–1936, the stadium was renovated and named the State Stadium (Lithuanian: Valstybinis stadionas). Starting in 1969 the stadium underwent another reconstruction that lasted for 10 years until August 1979. Wooden tribunes were replaced with reinforced concrete structures and placed in a half circle.
After Lithuania regained independence, in 1993 the stadium was named after the Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, who perished in a crash near the end of an attempted non-stop flight from New York to Lithuania. The site is currently the home ground of the football club FK Kauno Žalgiris. It is a part of the S. Darius and S. Girėnas sport center, which also includes the nearby Kaunas Sports Hall, built in 1939.
On 23 November 2021, the informal shortening Darius and Girėnas Stadium officially replaced the former name, eliminating the pilots' first names from the label.[4]
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Reconstruction and reopening
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In July 2010, talks began that modernizing the stadium is the cheapest option for Lithuania to develop a football stadium that could host international matches.[5] Two thirds of the renovation costs were proposed to be provided by Lithuanian Football Federation. Despite many initiatives to launch the renovation from various groups no actual actions were started, as an agreement for funding and project specifications could not be achieved.[6]
Another attempt to revitalize the stadium was started in February 2016 by the newly elected Kaunas City Municipality which adopted a plan to revamp major sport infrastructure in Kaunas.[7] Early proposals suggested that the seating capacity should be expanded to 12,500–20,000 roof-covered seats, under-soil heating installed, and stadium should reach Category 4 of UEFA stadium classification.[8][9][10]
On 18 August 2017, the reconstruction project was officially presented to the public. After the reconstruction, the stadium will have seating capacity of 15,026 for sport events and up to 55,000 for concerts and other events.[11] On 15 June 2018, Kayı Construction and Kaunas City Municipality signed the reconstruction contract. The stadium was re-opened with the 2022 Lithuanian Football Cup final on 16 October 2022.[12] The reconstruction cost 43 million euros.[13] After reconstruction, the stadium had Desso GrassMaster surface and is completely covered with a roof over the stands.[14]
In January 2025, new construction for the pitch surface bagan. During the first year of operation under Žalgiris Arena management, it was found out that that there was too much black soil and clay in the layers below it. This prevented the grass from taking root more firmly in depth and interfered with high-quality drainage - water stagnated on the surface. Also, the top layer of the coating became too soft, slippery and easily damaged. A new "Mixto" hybrid grass "Lay&Play" technology surface was chosen to be used instead of Desso GrassMaster surface.[15] On 12 March 2025, the new surface installation was finished. In accordance with UEFA recommendations, before the new pitch surface was installed, the automatic irrigation system was also upgraded to 24 nozzles.[16]
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Sporting events
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Athletics
Lithuanian Athletics Championships
Lithuanian Athletics Championships is the national Lithuanian championship in athletics, organized by the Athletic Federation of Lithuania. The first competition was held in 1921 at the location where Darius and Girėnas Stadium was built. It is the oldest sporting event in Lithuania.[17] The competition was held in Kaunas a total of 36 times. The 89th 2014 Lithuanian Athletics Championships was the last time competition was held in Kaunas.
XVIII European Athletics U20 Championships
The 2005 European Athletics Junior Championships was the 18th edition of the biennial athletics competition for European under-20 athletes, which was held in Kaunas, Lithuania on 21–24 July.
IX European Athletics U23 Championships
The 7th European Athletics U23 Championships were held between 16 and 19 July 2009 in the S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas, Lithuania.
Football
XII UEFA European Under-19 Championship
The 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship was the 12th edition of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, since its reclassification from an under-18 tournament in 2002, and the 62nd since the tournament was created in 1948. It was hosted in Lithuania from 20 July to 1 August 2013, in three cities.
Lithuanian national football team games (since 2022)
The following is a list of Lithuanian national football team matches since 2022.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
| 16 November 2022 2022 Baltic Cup | Lithuania  | 0–0 (5–6 p) |  Iceland | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 16:00 UTC+2 | Report | Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Referee: Andris Treimanis (Latvia) | ||
| Penalties | ||||
| 17 June 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Lithuania | 1–1 |  Bulgaria | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 16:00 UTC+3 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Attendance: 14,230 Referee: Jakob Alexander Sundberg (Denmark) |
| 7 September 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Lithuania | 2–2 |  Montenegro | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 19:00 UTC+3 |
|
Report | Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Attendance: 11,328 Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim (Sweden) |
| 10 September 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Lithuania | 1–3 |  Serbia | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 21:45 UTC+3 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Attendance: 8,586 Referee: Sascha Stegemann (Germany) |
| 17 October 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Lithuania | 2–2 |  Hungary | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 21:45 UTC+3 | Report |
|
Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Attendance: 5,349 Referee: Juxhin Xhaja (Albania) |
| 26 March 2024 Nations League play-out | Lithuania | 1–0 (2–0 agg.) |  Gibraltar | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 19:00 UTC+2 |
|
Report | Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Attendance: 6,102 Referee: Duje Strukan (Croatia) | |
| Note: Lithuania won 2–0 on aggregate and remained in League C, while Gibraltar were relegated to League D. | ||||
| 11 June 2024 2024 Baltic Cup | Lithuania | 1–1 (3–4 p) |  Estonia | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 19:00 UTC+3 | Matulevicius  84' |
Report | Lepik 82' |
Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Referee: Andris Treimanis (Latvia) |
| Penalties | ||||
| 12 October 2024 2024–25 Nations League | Lithuania | 1–2 |  Kosovo | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 16:00 |
|
Report |
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Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Attendance: 7,554 Referee: Ondřej Berka (Czech Republic) |
| 15 October 2024 2024–25 Nations League | Lithuania | 1–2 |  Romania | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 21:45 | Report | Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Attendance: 2,585 Referee: Nick Walsh (Scotland) |
| 24 March 2025 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Lithuania | 2-2 |  Finland | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 21:45 | Kučys 39' Gineitis 69' |
Report | Kairinen 3' Pohjanpalo 17' |
Stadium: Darius and Girėnas Stadium Attendance: 10,421 Referee: Erik Lambrechts (Belgium) |
| 4 September 2025 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Lithuania | v |  Malta | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 21:45 | Report | Stadium: Darius and Girenas Stadium |
| 7 September 2025 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Lithuania | v |  Netherlands | Kaunas, Lithuania |
| 19:00 | Report | Stadium: Darius and Girenas Stadium |
Lithuanian Football Cup finals (since 2022)
The Lithuanian Football Federation Cup (Lithuanian: Lietuvos futbolo federacijos taurė) is a Lithuanian football cup competition contested in a knockout tournament format. The winner of the cup gains entitlement to participate in the Lithuanian Supercup as well as the UEFA Europa Conference League.
UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League qualifications games (since 2022)
2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship
The 2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship was the 21st edition (25th in U18 and U19) of the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship, the annual international youth football championship organised by UEFA for the women's under-19 national teams of Europe. Lithuania hosted the tournament.
Semi-finals
Final
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Concerts (since 2022)
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The grand opening show "Welcome Back!" (Lithuanian: „Sveiki sugrįžę!“) took place at the stadium's opening event on October 16, 2022 (during the Lithuanian Football Cup final). It was attended by the most famous Lithuanian music performers, such as Saulius Prūsaitis, Iglė, Jonas Nainys-Jovani, Marijonas Mikutavičius, Justinas Jarutis, Jessica Shy and others.[22] This performance is not considered a full concert and is therefore not presented. The opening match and the show were officially watched by attendance of 13,589 spectators.
In August 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran held two concerts at the stadium that attracted 81,119 spectators [23], thus setting a record for ticket sales in the Baltic States [24], while the first date set record attendance of about 50,000 spectators.[25]. During these concerts, the nearby Kaunas Sports Hall was also used as a technical area.
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Partnerships & Tenants
On May 17, 2024, Žalgiris Shop opened its doors at the stadium.[33]
In June 2024, the stadium signed a cooperation agreement with Carlsberg Group, under which part of the VIP Lounge area and the nearby tennis courts were named after the sponsor. [34]
In August 2024, the HOLOS wellness studio opened its doors at the stadium.[35]
In November 2024, the Fitnie Academy by Galinta sports club opened its doors at the stadium. [36]
In April 2025, the stadium signed an agreement with Cupra, under which part of the stadium's VIP Lounge area was named after the sponsor.[37]
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Notable Events & Facts
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The opening and consecration ceremonies of the first stadium in Lithuania took place on September 6–8, 1924. During the celebration, football, basketball, baseball tournaments, and athletics competitions were held.[38]
One of the largest events held at the stadium during the interwar years was the first National Olympics, held on July 17–31, 1938 – a worldwide Lithuanian sports festival and gathering. About 10,000 people attended the opening ceremonies, and 2,000 athletes from all over the world gathered. President Antanas Smetona presented the athletes with the Olympic flag, and a thousand doves were released into the sky.[39]
During his sports career, former President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus competed in athletics at the stadium. [40]
On September 15, 1990, German singer Dieter Bohlen and the band Blue Systems performed at the stadium.[41]
On September 6, 1993, Pope John Paul II held a meeting with young people at the stadium during his visit to Lithuania. The event was attended by 30,000 spectators.[42]
On August 2, 2000, the FBK Kaunas team, which made its debut in the European football club tournament – the UEFA Champions League – played a match at the stadium against the Glasgow Rangers.[43]
On September 7, 2002, the first match of the 2004 European Football Championship Group V qualifying match was played between the Lithuania and the world vice-champion Germany. During the break in the match, one of the most famous Lithuanian football players, Valdas Ivanauskas, was escorted from the big football.[44]
On July 26, 2005, the stadium hosted a match between one of the most successful football teams in Europe, the 2004–2005 UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool FC and FBK Kaunas.[45]
On March 24, 2007, the 2008 European Football Championship qualifying match was played between Lithuania and the world vice-champion France. The match was broadcast live by Eurosport and about 30 television channels in various countries.[46]
On July 6, 2007, a general song festival “Būties ratu" was held at the stadium. The festive program was attended by national youth, youth, young adults, girls, youth, seniors and elderly folk dance groups, as well as adult folk dance groups from abroad.[47]
On August 5, 2008, FBK Kaunas achieved a historic victory: in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, they eliminated the elite Scottish club Glasgow Rangers (0:0 away, 2:1 at home) and advanced to the third qualifying round.[48]
On March 29, 2011, the 2012 European Football Championship qualifying tournament Group I match was held between the Lithuania and Spain.[49]
On September 30, 2023, the Lithuanian and FIFA Football Legends match was held. Dida, Julio Cesar, Michel Salgado, Roque Junior, Levan Kobiashvili, Fabio Cannavaro, Carles Puyol, Youri Djorkaeff, Ricardo Quaresma, Aldair, Houssine Kharja, David Trezeguet, Esteban Cambiasso, Nuno Gomes, Christian Karembeu, Antonio Valencia, Serginho, Vincent Candela took part in the competition. FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched the match at the stadium.[50]
On October 6, 2023, the band Sel released a video clip for the song Aš pakelsiu, which was filmed during a concert at the stadium.
On July 26, 2024, Lithuanian artist Martynas Kavaliauskas released a video clip for the song "Karaliai", part of which was filmed at the stadium.
More than 100 heavy trucks delivered the equipment needed for E. Sheeran's concerts in August 2024. This is a record amount in the history of Kaunas events.[51]
On September 27, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran released a live performance video for the song The A Team, filmed during concerts in Kaunas.
On September 27, 2024, Lithuanian singer Jessica Shy released a live performance video of the song Tarp geltonų rūtų, filmed during concerts in Kaunas.
On October 4, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran released a live performance video for the song Perfect, filmed during concert in Kaunas.
On October 18, 2024, Lithuanian singer Jessica Shy released her second live performance video (song Nepyk ant manęs), filmed during concert in Kaunas.
In October 2024, the Darius and Girenas Stadium celebrated its 100th anniversary.[52]
From November 22, 2024 to February 17, 2025, a winter camp was held at the stadium, during which a skating rink was installed at the stadium.[53]
On November 28, 2024, the Lithuanian band Žemaitukai (together with the band Niekšės) released a video clip for the song "Šiandien aš švenčiu", part of which was filmed at the stadium.
On December 27, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran released a live performance video for the song Bad Habits, filmed during concerts in Kaunas.
On April 12, 2025, the A Lyga match between FK Kauno Žalgiris and FK Sūduva broke the league's twenty-year attendance record and became the most attended A League match in Kaunas. The match was watched by 6,575 spectators.[54]
On May 6, 2025, the President Valdas Adamkus Athletics Manege, which meets international requirements, was officially opened next to the stadium. The new manege will ensure high-quality conditions for training and warming up before prestigious starts or high-ranking competitions at the Darius and Girenas Stadium.[55]
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See also
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References
External links
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