The Slovak government has approved a €20 million contribution for the construction of the multifunctional Olympic Arena, which will expand the Slovak Olympic Training Center in Šamorín. The funding was approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday and will be provided by the end of the year under a contract between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MCRŠ) and the Olympic Arena company, founded in partnership with the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee (SOŠV). The goal is to develop a national sports infrastructure through a public-private partnership.
The arena will be located near the X-Bionic Sphere complex, a multifunctional sports and leisure facility, and is designed to meet the highest standards set by major sports organizations such as FIBA (basketball), FIVB (volleyball), IHF (handball), ITF (tennis), and IFF (floorball). This will enable the venue to host international sports events in collaboration with the nearby facilities. "The Olympic Arena will have a total capacity of at least 5,000 spectators," said Dušan Keketi, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Keketi also emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "The construction of the Olympic Arena will alleviate the investment debt in sports infrastructure, contribute to the development of sports in the country, and ensure quality conditions for our athletes at the international level, which is one of the long-term goals of our ministry."
The total expected cost for the Olympic Arena project is €31 million, with the state contributing €20 million and the owner of the current Šamorín complex providing additional funding. The arena will serve not only national teams but also sports clubs, coaches, instructors, and the general public.
This project was announced in October by SNS Chairman Andrej Danko, SOŠV Chairman Anton Siekel, and Minister Keketi. They noted that it is part of a broader effort to improve sports infrastructure in Slovakia. The arena may also play a key role if Hungary bids to host the Summer Olympic Games between 2036 and 2040. Danko confirmed that consultations with the Hungarian side are underway to map out potential sports venues, with the Olympic Arena being considered as one of the options. The project is expected to provide a sustainable and returnable investment, regardless of its inclusion in the Olympic bid.
Source: TASR
