New Inflatable Football Hall Opens in Daugavpils, Latvia – A Boost for Local Sports

DAUGAVPILS, Latvia – A new era for football development in Daugavpils began this past Saturday, March 21st, with the official opening of an inflatable football hall at Draudzīgā aicinājuma vidusskola (Friendly Call Secondary School). The facility represents a significant investment in the city’s sporting infrastructure and promises year-round training and competition opportunities for athletes of all levels.

The opening ceremony was attended by Daugavpils City Council Chairman Andrejs Elksniņš, representatives from the Latvian Football Federation (LFF), and partners involved in the project’s implementation. A symbolic ribbon-cutting marked the hall’s official handover for use.

The construction of the inflatable football hall is the result of a collaborative effort between the Daugavpils City Council, the Latvian Football Federation, and Daugavpils Olympic Center SIA. Discussions regarding the potential for such a facility began in 2021, when the LFF initially proposed donating an inflatable hall to the city. In 2023, the Daugavpils City Council made strategic decisions to promote the development of football infrastructure, solidifying the project’s momentum.

The partnership saw the city council responsible for funding the design and construction work, including the hall’s foundation and utility connections. Meanwhile, the Latvian Football Federation, with support from UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), financed the acquisition and installation of the dome membrane and technological equipment. The hall boasts a total area exceeding 9,000 square meters (approximately 96,875 square feet), measuring 110 meters by 82 meters, making it one of the largest structures of its kind in the Baltic states.

This new facility will provide modern, weather-independent training conditions for over 700 young footballers. It will likewise serve as a valuable addition to the sports infrastructure at Draudzīgā aicinājuma vidusskola, integrating into the school’s educational process. Beyond training, the hall is designed to host competitions and sporting events at various levels.

Future phases of the project, slated for the 2nd and 3rd stages, include the construction of a full-fledged changing room complex with connecting access and landscaping of the surrounding area. These developments are already incorporated into the city’s development plans and will be implemented in subsequent phases.

The hall’s construction is part of broader investments in Daugavpils’ development. The 2026 municipal budget prioritizes improvements to infrastructure, education, and the sports environment, with continued development of this project also planned. As Chairman Elksniņš previously emphasized, investments in such facilities strengthen the city’s competitiveness, improve the quality of life for residents, and encourage participation in sports among the younger generation.

The opening of the new sports facility underscores Daugavpils’ commitment to sustainable sports infrastructure development, providing a modern and accessible environment for both professional athletes and emerging talents. The project highlights the power of collaboration between local government and national sports organizations in fostering athletic growth.

Information prepared by

Public Relations Department

Daugavpils City Council

Andrejs Elksniņš, currently serving as the Chairman of the Daugavpils City Council, has a notable background in Latvian politics and law. According to Vikipēdija, he was a member of the Saeima (Latvian Parliament) for two terms and is also a lawyer. His leadership has been instrumental in driving this project forward.

The Latvian Football Federation’s involvement demonstrates a broader commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level. The partnership with UEFA, as highlighted in the project details, is crucial for securing funding and expertise for such initiatives. This investment in infrastructure is expected to have a ripple effect, boosting participation and improving the overall standard of football in the region.

For local football clubs and schools, the new hall offers a significant advantage, providing a consistent training environment regardless of weather conditions. This represents particularly important during the long Baltic winters, when outdoor facilities are often unusable. The availability of a high-quality indoor facility will allow athletes to maintain their fitness and skills throughout the year.

Looking ahead, the completion of the changing room complex and landscaping will further enhance the facility’s appeal and functionality. The Daugavpils City Council’s continued commitment to this project suggests a long-term vision for sports development in the city. The next step will be to monitor the hall’s usage and gather feedback from athletes and coaches to identify any areas for improvement.

The opening of this inflatable football hall is a positive development for Daugavpils and Latvian football as a whole. It represents a tangible investment in the future of the sport and provides a valuable resource for athletes and the community. The facility is poised to become a hub for football activity in the region, fostering a passion for the game and nurturing the next generation of Latvian footballers.