The renovation of the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, located in Pristina, Kosovo, took place between 2016 and 2018. The stadium, which is the home ground for the Kosovo national football team and FC Prishtina, underwent significant upgrades to meet UEFA and FIFA standards, allowing it to host international matches.
Key Aspects of the Renovation:
1. Capacity Increase: The stadium's seating capacity was increased to accommodate approximately 13,980 spectators.
2. Infrastructure Improvements: The renovation included upgrading the stadium's infrastructure, such as improving the pitch, installing modern seating, and enhancing the overall safety and comfort for fans.
3. Facilities Upgrade: New facilities were added, including modern locker rooms, media areas, VIP sections, and hospitality suites. The lighting and sound systems were also upgraded to meet international standards.
4. UEFA and FIFA Certification: Post-renovation, the stadium was certified by UEFA and FIFA, making it eligible to host international matches. This was a significant milestone for Kosovo, especially following its acceptance into these organizations in 2016.
5. Naming: The stadium was renamed in honour of Fadil Vokrri, a legendary Kosovar footballer and former president of the Football Federation of Kosovo, following his passing in 2018. He was a key figure in promoting Kosovar football on the international stage.
The renovation was a major development for sports in Kosovo, enabling the country to host international football matches on home soil for the first time, marking a new era for Kosovar football.
The stadium after the 2016-2018 renovation
Renovation 2024
The renovation of Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina is set to commence in March 2024, focusing on extensive updates to the field. The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MCYS) and the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) have announced that the renovations will include laying a new hybrid turf, upgrading the drainage and irrigation systems, and installing a heating system to ensure the field meets UEFA standards.
As of 2024, Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, Kosovo, is undergoing significant renovations, particularly focusing on upgrading the playing field. A new hybrid grass surface is being installed, making it the first of its kind in Kosovo. This renovation is a major improvement after the stadium was criticized for poor field conditions, leading to its temporary closure in late 2023. UEFA even prohibited certain matches from being held there due to the damaged field.
The renovation, funded by Kosovo's Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports with a budget of €1.3 million, includes installing modern heating and irrigation systems, ensuring the stadium meets international standards. The upgrades are expected to be completed in time for the Kosovo national team's upcoming matches later in 2024
History
The stadium before the 2016-2018 renovation.
The stadium's construction began in 1951 and completed in 1953. It has been used by FC Prishtina since then.[2] On 9 June 2018, the stadium was renamed from Pristina City Stadium to Fadil Vokrri Stadium, following the death of Fadil Vokrri on the same day, who was a football administrator, player and lastly president of Football Federation of Kosovo. The change was announced by Shpend Ahmeti, the Mayor of Pristina.[3][4]
Notable events
International concerts
On 17 December 2007 the stadium was filled with 25,000 people for first time after the Kosovo War in a concert by American rapper 50 Cent.[5][6] On 10 July 2010. The American rapper Snoop Dogg performed in the stadium. This was the second international concert that was held in Pristina after that the 50 Cent concert in 2007 and over 10,000 people attended the concert.[7]
On 15 July 2012. The Albanian rapper Unikkatil held a concert which was the biggest Albanian concert ever held and 25,000 spectators attended the concert to see the “King” of Albanian rap.[8]
^"Prishtina ndërron tapetin pas 50 vitesh" [Prishtina changes the carpet after 50 years]. GazetaOlle (in Albanian). 13 July 2016. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2018. Stadiumi i qytetit ka filluar ndërtimin në vitin 1951, ndërsa nga viti 1953 është në shërbim të klubit
^"50 cent" në Prishtinë" ["50 cent" in Pristina] (in Albanian). BBC Albanian service. 18 December 2007. Ylli botëror i muzikës rep "50 cent" shfaqi të hënën një koncert në Prishtinë në prani të rreth 25 mijë adhuruesve të tij, jo vetëm nga Kosova, por edhe nga vendet fqinje
^"Rapper 50 Cent performs for 25,000 in Kosovo". CTV News. 18 December 2007. Thousands turned out in Kosovo's capital Monday to see rapper 50 Cent perform in the territory known more for its political woes than party tunes. 50 Cent arrived for a 10-hour visit that included a concert in a soccer stadium in the capital Pristina, promoting his latest album "Curtis" and launching Kosovo's second phone operator. Over 25,000 tickets had been snapped up for 50 Cent's performance
^"Snoop Dogg performoi në Prishtinë" [Snoop Dogg performed in Pristina]. Malesia.org (in Albanian). 13 July 2010. Të shtunën në stadiumin e qytetit në Prishtinë, para mijëra adhuruesve u mbajt koncerti i reperit amerikan me famë botërore, Snoop Dogg
