Papara Park
Trabzon, Turkey
Mika Stadium
Yerevan Armenia
Mika Stadium is a dedicated football stadium located in the Shengavit District of Yerevan, Armenia. Opened in 2008, it serves as the home ground for FC Mika and has hosted various tenants, including the Armenian women’s national team and clubs like FC Noah and West Armenia. With a capacity of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 spectators, the stadium is part of a larger, state-owned sports complex that stands as one of the most functional athletic hubs in the Armenian capital.
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Capacity
7.000
History of the stadium
Construction of the Mika Stadium began in 2006 on the site of the former Araks Stadium. It was officially inaugurated on May 22, 2008, hosting its first match between the U-19 national teams of Spain and Ukraine. The stadium was the crown jewel of the Mika Corporation, owned by businessman Mikhail Baghdasarov, until financial difficulties led to its transfer to the Armenian government in 2014. Despite FC Mika’s temporary withdrawal from professional football in 2016, the club returned to the venue in 2022, re-establishing the stadium as its spiritual and competitive home in the Armenian First League.
Architecture and design
Mika Stadium is a « pure » football stadium, meaning it does not feature a running track, which allows for excellent visibility and an intimate connection between the stands and the natural grass pitch. The stadium consists of two main grandstands. The West Stand is the primary structure, housing the VIP lounges, press facilities, and dressing rooms. The stadium is part of the larger Republican Complex Center for the Developments of Sports, which includes an indoor arena for basketball and futsal, a fitness center, and specialized schools for martial arts and table tennis.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
The matchday experience at Mika Stadium is characterized by its neighborhood-centric feel. Unlike the larger Republican Stadium, Mika offers a more compact environment where every shout from the « Mika Supporters » is clearly heard on the pitch. The stadium has frequently been used for UEFA European qualification matches and international youth tournaments, earning a reputation for being a well-maintained and professional venue. On matchdays, the atmosphere is family-friendly, reflecting the Shengavit District’s local community spirit.
Location and accessibility
The stadium is located at 41 Manandyan Street in the Shengavit District, south of Yerevan’s city center. It is accessible via public transport, including several bus lines and the Yerevan Metro (Shengavit or Gortsaranayin stations are the nearest, though they require a short taxi ride or a 15-20 minute walk to reach the stadium). Its location near the Hrazdan River and within a dense residential area makes it a local landmark that is easily identified by its distinctive floodlight towers.
Origin of the stadium name
The stadium was named after its original parent organization, the Mika Corporation, and its owner, Mikhail « Mika » Baghdasarov. Even after the ownership was transferred to the Government of Armenia and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the name « Mika » remained synonymous with the venue and the resident football club. It continues to be recognized as Mika Stadium both in official government records and among football fans across Armenia.
Who's play in Mika Stadium
How to get to Mika Stadium
The most convenient way to reach the stadium from Republic Square is by taxi, which typically takes 10–15 minutes. For public transit, take the Metro to the Shengavit station and walk approximately 1.2 km toward the Shengavit District sports hub. Several marshrutkas (minibuses) also run along Bagratunyats Avenue, stopping within a short walking distance of the stadium complex.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
The West Stand is the best choice for visitors, as it provides the most comfortable seating and is the only section with covered areas to protect from the sun or rain. Because there is no running track, even the front rows of the East Stand offer a superb, ground-level view of the action. For a more vocal experience, fans often gather in the central sections of the West Stand to be near the team dugouts and the most passionate local supporters.
Mika Stadium Tour & Behind the Scenes
While formal daily tours are not standard, visitors can often explore the FC Mika Museum located within the complex. The museum features trophies, historic photos, and memorabilia from the club’s successful periods, including its multiple Armenian Cup wins. The broader sports complex is often open for various training sessions, allowing a glimpse into the daily athletic life of Armenia’s premier sports facility.
Where to eat and drink near Mika Stadium
The Shengavit neighborhood offers several local « khorovats » (Armenian BBQ) spots and small cafes along Manandyan Street. Before the match, fans often visit the small shops near the stadium entrance for snacks and drinks. For a wider selection of dining and nightlife, many fans return to the city center or the nearby Garegin Nzhdeh Square, which features a variety of traditional Armenian taverns and fast-food outlets.
Good to know
Mika Stadium is a safe and accessible venue for international visitors. Tickets for domestic Armenian First League matches are often very affordable and can frequently be purchased directly at the gates on matchday. For international fixtures or women’s national team games, it is recommended to check the Football Federation of Armenia’s website for digital ticket requirements. As with most Armenian stadiums, the venue is open-air, so dress according to the season—Yerevan can be extremely hot in the summer and quite cold in the late autumn.
