East stand renovation complete at Lineuper Arena

After eleven months of work, the east stand at Lineuper Arena is open again. The 5,000-seat stand has been completely rebuilt behind its original facade, and every supporter who walks in this season will find a different, warmer and more welcoming ground.

What has changed

The old wooden benches have been replaced with crimson tip-up seats, each with 12 centimetres more legroom than before. The concourse has doubled in width, with 38 new food and drink points, contactless payment throughout and a dedicated gluten-free counter. Three new lifts have been installed and the toilets have been rebuilt from scratch.

Highlights of the new stand

• A family zone for 1,200 supporters with children, next to the pitch
• A quiet sensory room with adjustable lighting and sound for supporters who find crowds overwhelming
• 120 wheelchair positions across the stadium, with companion seating
• Solar panels on the roof that cover 40 per cent of the stand's energy needs
• A supporters' museum at the north-east corner, opening in September

Built with supporters

The design was shaped through three open consultations in which more than 1,500 members shared ideas. Their feedback led to wider stairways, additional handrails and a decision to keep the original steel girders on display as a nod to the stadium's history.

This stand belongs to the people who sit in it. We built it for the grandmother who has not missed a match since 1974 and for the child who is coming for the first time.

Opening day

The stand will be inaugurated at the first home match of the season. President Nino Lomidze thanked the 140 construction workers, the architects at Studio Axis and the Tbilisi municipality for their support. Members will be able to book guided tours on weekends in July and August via the website.