TIRANA, Oct 16 /ATA/ - An international architectural competition was launched Thursday for the redevelopment of the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace, a landmark facility in the capital that has played a central role in the country’s sports history and civic life.

Six finalist teams presented their proposals to an international jury during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, and representatives from national and international institutions, along with architects, urban planners, and sports officials.

Elira Kokona, director of the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC), said the project envisions transforming the aging venue into a modern, multifunctional arena with international standards, featuring a seating capacity of 6,000, up from the current 5,000.

The new facility will include 13,500 m² of above-ground space, 2,500 m² of outdoor areas for sports activities, and 12,500 m² of public parking, Kokona said.

She emphasized the growing role of sports in driving urban, economic, and social development, stating that investing in sports infrastructure is an investment in “civic energy and the next generation.”

The upgraded complex will accommodate a wide range of sports disciplines, including basketball, volleyball, handball, gymnastics, boxing, taekwondo, table tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling.

Kokona noted that the competition, supported by the Municipality of Tirana, is part of a transparent and inclusive process. From an initial pool of 10 submissions, six finalists were selected by a jury composed of international experts in architecture, urban planning, and sports infrastructure.

“In the past decade, Albania has undergone an urban renaissance, turning cities into vibrant and livable spaces where art and sport are part of everyday life,” she concluded.

/e.xh//r.e/a.f/u.sh/