Stepping into the storied Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi, you're met with an aura of grandeur echoing decades of football heritage. Established in 1935, the architectural masterpiece by Archil Kurdiani, has been a thrilling stage for Georgian football history.
Construction began in the autumn of 1929 and, after several pauses, was completed on October 12, 1935. Initially, the arena held 23,000 spectators, a modest number considering the monumental following of football in Georgia.
Across the decades, Dinamo Arena underwent multiple restructurings. The first significant reconstruction in 1960-1962 extended the capacity to 36,000 (approximately 119,000 cubic feet). This period of renewal culminated with Dinamo Tbilisi's dramatic 1:0 victory over FC Dinamo Leningrad.
Subsequent expansions from 1969 to 1976 under the supervision of architects Archil and Gia Kurdiani, and constructor Shalva Gazashvili, enhanced the stadium's visual appeal and enlarged its capacity to 78,000 (approximately 2.75 million cubic feet). An epic re-opening match in 1976 saw Dinamo Tbilisi triumph over Welsh Cardiff with a score of 3:0.
A final renovation in 2006 adapted the arena to UEFA standards, reducing its capacity to 55,000 (approximately 1.94 million cubic feet) but significantly enhancing the spectator experience. Today, the Dinamo Arena boasts a state-of-the-art turf, fully rehabilitated energy and irrigation systems, and world-class lighting that meets the highest standards.
While the stadium's official name has shifted over the years, its essence remains intact. In 2011, it was christened the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, after the legendary Georgian footballer. A testament to its grandeur, the stadium recorded its maximum capacity on October 3, 1979, hosting 110,000 spectators during a UEFA Champions League match where Dinamo Tbilisi outperformed FC Liverpool.
In the heart of Tbilisi, the Dinamo Arena stands as the country's largest stadium and the home ground of Dinamo Tbilisi, Georgia's national rugby union team, and the national football team. The stadium witnessed countless glories, including Dinamo's 1978 and 1979 triumphs and a grand celebration in 1981 to honor the European Cup Winners' Cup victors.
Proudly among the largest arenas in Eastern Europe, the Dinamo Arena is more than a sports venue. It’s a symbol of Georgian resilience, architectural prowess, and a monument to the country's enduring passion for football.
