Darius and Girėnas Stadium celebrates its 100th anniversary: LFF honored for its contribution to Lithuanian football

2024-10-25 10:53 © EF

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Darius and Girėnas Stadium established awards to honor those who contribute to the sports and cultural life of Lithuania. During the match between Lithuania and Romania held in October, the stadium management awarded Edgaras Stankevičius, president of the Lithuanian Football Federation, for the federation's contribution to the development of sports in the country. This recognition symbolizes a new era for the stadium after its modernization, enhancing its importance as a vital space for sports and entertainment in Lithuania.

This year, Kaunas celebrates a significant event – one of the most important sports and entertainment venues in Lithuania, Darius and Girėnas Stadium, is marking its 100th anniversary. On this special occasion, the stadium has established awards to honor individuals and organizations that contribute to the promotion of sports and culture.

This October, during the Lithuania vs. Romania match, which marked the last Nations League match of the season, the award was presented to Edgaras Stankevičius, president of the Lithuanian Football Federation. He was recognized for his significant contribution to the development of football and sports infrastructure in Lithuania, as well as for his active role in strengthening the sports community and developing international sports relations.

This award symbolizes not only the centennial history of Darius and Girėnas Stadium but also the important partnership between the sectors of sports and culture, reinforcing the stadium's position as an essential space for sports and entertainment in Lithuania.

"This award is important not only as recognition for years of work and the stadium's history but also as a symbol of new opportunities. After its modernization, Darius and Girėnas Stadium is becoming a meeting place not only for sports but also for culture. We aim for this space to reflect the synergy of Lithuania's sports and cultural life, promoting cooperation between these sectors. Our vision is to create a platform where both athletes and cultural representatives can grow and strengthen the national identity,” shared Saulius Balnanosis, director of Darius and Girėnas Stadium, during the award presentation.

Historic Space, Reborn for a New Century

Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas, named in honor of Lithuanian aviation heroes Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, is a special place with a history that began in 1923. Initially, it was a small area designated for football and athletics, but over the century, the stadium has undergone numerous reconstructions and transformed into a modern multifunctional complex. The stadium has repeatedly changed its face and functions, reflecting both the city's and the country's historical changes.

In recent decades, the stadium has become not only a center for sports but also for cultural events. A significant moment in its history was in 2022 when the stadium reopened after reconstruction as a modern space capable of hosting up to 55,000 spectators during concerts and possessing the highest category UEFA certification.

The history of Darius and Girėnas Stadium is marked by other important events – in 2005, it hosted one of the largest sporting events ever held in Lithuania – the European Athletics Championships (under 20 years) with 953 athletes from 45 countries participating. In 2007, it hosted crucial UEFA European Championship qualifying matches between Lithuania and the world vice-champion French national team, broadcasted on Eurosport and other networks. Additionally, in 2013, the stadium held the European U-19 Football Championship featuring teams from Lithuania and other European countries. Finally, in 2023, UEFA awarded this multifunctional complex a prestigious 4th category, further enhancing its international significance.

"One of the most important moments in Darius and Girėnas Stadium's history was October 16, 2022, when the stadium’s reopening celebration and the LFF Cup final occurred after renovation. It was not only a significant day for Lithuanian football but also a symbolic beginning of a new era. Darius and Girėnas Stadium evolved from a simple sports field into a multifunctional center that has become an integral part of Kaunas and Lithuania’s culture and sports. We are proud that globally renowned stars like Ed Sheeran are already performing at our stadium, affirming its importance in the international music arena,” notes S. Balnanosis.

The stadium has attracted not only crowds of concertgoers but also hosted a unique event. In the summer of 2024, it will host the European U-19 Women's Football Championship, drawing the strongest young female footballers from across Europe. This event continues the stadium's tradition of being a center for significant international sports competitions while also providing space for large-scale cultural events.