Reconstruction to bring Skonto Stadium (E.Melngaila St. 1a) up to World Championship standards began in early 2005. The new arena has a maximum capacity of 6,500 spectators, with a total area of 8,000 square meters. But Latvia's prized venue is the new Arena Riga (Skanstes St. 21), which was finished just in time for the championship in February.
Built especially for the 2006 World Championship, the stadium has already been admitted into the esteemed European Arenas Association.
The sprawling ice-arena accommodates up to 10,500 people, and includes three levels: arena seating, a second floor of skyboxes and a third level devoted to food and shopping.
