Georgia is moving forward with plans to build a new multifunctional sports arena in Kutaisi, following a site visit by Minister of Infrastructure Revaz Sokhadze together with Georgian and U.S. architects. The project is being developed by the Municipal Development Fund of the Ministry of Infrastructure in partnership with the internationally renowned architectural firm Gensler.
The Ministry stated that the architectural design is being prepared jointly by Georgian company Demark and U.S.-based Gensler, making it the latter’s first project in Georgia since its founding in 1965. Representatives of Gensler visited the planned construction site to assess existing conditions and review the project’s concept and urban integration.
Minister Sokhadze emphasized the significance of involving world-class specialists in Georgia’s sports infrastructure development, noting that the government has ambitious plans in this sector. He stated that construction of several major sports facilities is set to begin this year and underlined that high-quality planning and design will be critical both for smooth implementation and for meeting international standards.
The meeting in Kutaisi was attended by Minister Sokhadze, the State Representative in Imereti Levan Zalkaliani, and representatives of Demark. Discussions focused on the arena’s concept, functional layout and its integration into the city’s urban environment.
The new sports palace will have a seating capacity of 5,000 spectators and is designed to host both national and international sporting events. The facility will include regulation-compliant sports halls, training areas, a swimming pool, referee and doping control rooms, as well as spaces for conferences, media operations and international delegations. A sports retail area and cafeteria are also planned.
Gensler’s architectural approach, centered on human-focused design, sustainability and technological innovation, will guide the project. The firm is known globally for landmark developments such as the Moody Center Arena in the United States and major projects in China and Europe.
Officials note that Gensler’s entry into the Georgian market creates new opportunities for local architects and designers, facilitating knowledge transfer and the adoption of modern architectural standards. The Ministry of Infrastructure says the Kutaisi multifunctional sports arena will become a main regional venue for sports, conferences and large-scale events.
