A consortium led by Íslenskir Aðalverktakar (ÍAV), together with ASK Architects, COWI, LPO Architects, Ísloft, EOH, and Landhønnning, submitted the winning proposal.
Rendering/Þjóðarhöll ehf.
New renderings have been unveiled of Iceland’s proposed National Arena, a multi-purpose indoor sports and events venue designed to meet modern standards and provide facilities for Iceland’s national teams, sports clubs, and the general public.
On behalf of the Icelandic government and the City of Reykjavík, Þjóðarhöll ehf. has selected a bid from Íslenskir Aðalverktakar (ÍAV) for the design and construction of the new arena.
According to a statement from the Icelandic government, the winning bid amounts to ISK 16.8 billion, including VAT.
As previously announced, the arena will be built in Laugardalur, Reykjavík’s main sports district. The facility is intended to host indoor sporting events as well as concerts and other large gatherings. Office space will also be included within the building.
Two final bids submitted
In 2024, teams were invited to apply for the project, which covers the entire process from design to completion.
Three teams were selected during the prequalification stage, and two final bids were ultimately submitted, one from a consortium led by Ístak hf. and the other from ÍAV.
The winning team consists of ÍAV, ASK Architects, COWI, LPO Architects, Ísloft, EOH, and Landdesign.
The competing team included Ístak, EFLA Consulting Engineers, Nordic Office of Architecture, and Populous.
Laugardalshöll no longer meets international standards
The arena is expected to cover up to 19,000 square meters, with seating for approximately 8,600 spectators and a capacity of up to 12,000 people during standing-room events.
The existing Laugardalshöll sports arena has become outdated and no longer satisfies the standards required by European basketball and handball federations for hosting qualification matches for major international tournaments.
As a result, Iceland’s national teams have been allowed to continue playing home matches in the country only through exemptions granted by FIBA Europe and the European Handball Federation (EHF). Those exemptions have largely depended on formal commitments by Icelandic authorities to improve the country’s sports facilities.
Without a replacement venue, Iceland’s national teams could eventually be forced to play home matches abroad.
One group stage of the 2031 Men’s Handball World Championship is scheduled to take place in Iceland, and if plans proceed as expected, those matches will be played in the new National Arena.
Potential cost savings are still being explored
The selected bid totals ISK 16.8 billion, including VAT.
According to the government, opportunities for cost savings may still be identified during contract negotiations and the final design phase without compromising quality or functionality.
No completion date has been announced yet, and the project has already experienced significant delays since it was first proposed.
The Ministry of Education and Children is overseeing the project on behalf of the government, with involvement from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. The tender process was managed by The Government Property Agency.
In the heart of Laugardalur valley
The arena will be built in the heart of Laugardalur, south of the current Laugardalshöll arena, with convenient access to the planned Borgarlína public transit system, as well as pedestrian and cycling routes. It will also be closely connected to neighboring facilities, including Laugardalshöll and the National Indoor Athletics Arena.
The venue is intended to be accessible to everyone and could serve as a location for public health initiatives, community events, and gatherings for athletes and the wider public, alongside food and beverage services.
Under Iceland’s public procurement rules, a mandatory waiting period is now in effect, allowing bidders to review the decision and, if they choose, file objections or appeal to the Public Procurement Complaints Committee before a final contract can be signed. Once the contract is finalized, preparations for construction will begin.
