About this place

History

The Old Dinamo Stadium

The stadium was initially opened in 1935 as Dinamo Stadium during the Soviet era. It underwent its first major renovation in 1953, after World War II. In 1999, following the assassination of Armenian Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan, the stadium was renamed to honor him.

Major Renovations and Rebranding

In 1999, a large-scale renovation project began with financial assistance from the UEFA Executive Committee. Over US$3 million was invested to improve infrastructure, seating, and facilities. The renovation was completed by the end of 2000, with fully covered seating areas. The stadium was rebranded as Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in December 1999, in memory of the late prime minister.

The 2008 Renovation

Another major renovation took place in 2008, which included replacing the playing pitch with modern turf, repairing VIP sections, and installing a new security system to meet UEFA standards. As a result of the improvements, the seating capacity was slightly reduced from 14,917 to 14,403.

What is Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium Used For?

The stadium is primarily used for football, hosting matches for the Armenia national football team as well as local teams Ararat Armenia and Pyunik. The stadium also serves as a venue for various sports events and concerts.

Who is Vazgen Sargsyan?

Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan (5 March 1959 – 27 October 1999) was an influential Armenian military commander and politician. As the first Defence Minister of Armenia, he played a pivotal role in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, leading Armenian forces to victory and securing control over Nagorno-Karabakh. He later became Armenia’s Prime Minister in 1999, solidifying his influence. Sargsyan was assassinated in a tragic shooting at the Armenian parliament later that year. Revered as a national hero, he is celebrated for his contributions to Armenia’s independence and military, although his political career has been marked by controversy and accusations of undemocratic actions