SEP and Populous Develop Architectural Concept for the Latvian National Football Stadium

RIGA – Latvia has taken an important step toward building a modern National Football Stadium with the publication of the government’s report “On the Implementation Options for a New National Football Stadium Project”. For the first time, the report systematically compiles the economic, social, and urban development benefits of such a project, underlining its strategic importance for Latvia’s future.

The architectural concept for the National Stadium was developed by SEP, one of Latvia’s largest architecture firms, which has acted as the project’s driver domestically. SEP engaged Populous — one of the world’s leading stadium and sports venue experts, known for iconic projects including Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Yankee Stadium in New York, and FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. SEP, as the local integrator, ensures that global expertise is adapted to the Latvian context and Riga’s long-term development strategy.

A Stadium as an Economic Catalyst

A modern stadium is far more than sports infrastructure — it is a driver of economic growth and culture. The report highlights how today’s stadiums serve as multifunctional venues, hosting a wide range of events and delivering significant benefits to both the economy and society. Latvia currently lacks infrastructure that can accommodate large-scale cultural and music events, particularly during the open-air season.

SEP’s research indicates that across Europe, new stadiums typically see attendance growth of 86–100%. For Latvia, this would mean average attendance growing from around 6,000 to 12,000 spectators, with peaks of 13,500–18,000. This directly translates into increased revenues from tickets, catering, and merchandise.

Regional Experience Demonstrates Positive Impact

Latvia, a Baltic state, is still without a national stadium. This absence excludes the country from hosting major football tournaments and world-class concert tours. Estonia already sees the benefits of Tallinn’s A. Le Coq Arena, and a new national stadium in Vilnius is about to be started.

“Stadiums create a strong multiplier effect. Tallinn’s A. Le Coq Arena attracts over 150,000 visitors annually and fuels growth in tourism and hospitality. In Vilnius, the new stadium project has triggered a wider economic development in surrounding districts. Latvia is ready to take the next step and strengthen its regional competitiveness,” says Oļegs Umanskis, SEP Commercial Director.

International Events and Tourism Boost

Currently, the Latvian national team plays most of its matches at Daugava Stadium, which does not meet modern UEFA and FIFA standards. A new stadium would allow Latvia to host international matches and tournaments regularly, attracting significant inflows of foreign visitors.

According to the Latvian Football Federation, each international match in Riga could bring 5,000–10,000 foreign fans, generating substantial revenues for hotels, restaurants, and transport. Tourism revenues are estimated to reach €10–15 million annually if the stadium hosts 10–12 international-scale events each year.

“International practice shows that modern stadiums become long-term cultural and entertainment hubs. On average, 50–60% of stadium revenues come from non-sporting events — concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and conferences. This makes such projects financially sustainable over the long term,” explains Oļegs Umanskis.

Urban Transformation

Beyond economics, a stadium can reshape entire districts. International examples show how new stadiums act as anchor projects, spurring the development of residential areas, office centers, cultural institutions, and public spaces.

“Stadiums attract investment, raise property values, and enhance a city’s competitiveness. For Riga, this is a strategic step toward long-term urban renewal,” adds Umanskis.

Football and Community Development

For Latvian football, a national stadium is a crucial piece of infrastructure. Today, youth and professional football development is fragmented, with no central base to unite national teams, academies, coach education, and sports science.

“Research shows that football already generates €37 million in added economic value annually in Latvia, which multiplies to around €55 million in GDP contribution. A new stadium would significantly increase this impact, while creating a central hub for both professional sport and community engagement,” notes Umanskis.

The stadium is designed as a multifunctional complex, with UEFA-compliant facilities, training grounds, education and office spaces, conference zones, and public recreation areas — ensuring that it serves the community every day, not only during matches.

SEP and Populous – Global Expertise with Local Insight

The stadium concept was developed by SEP in partnership with Populous, combining world-class design solutions with a deep understanding of Latvia’s urban and cultural context. SEP, supported by partners Urban Comm and Reģionālie projekti, has ensured that international best practice is integrated with Riga’s spatial and strategic development needs.

This is not only an architectural project — it is a national infrastructure project that will strengthen Latvia’s international profile, cultural identity, and integration into Europe’s sporting and cultural landscape.

SEP is the largest architecture bureau in the Baltics, with a team of over 70 architects, engineers, designers, and BIM specialists. The company specializes in complex, technology-intensive projects ranging from industrial and energy facilities to biogas plants, civil engineering, and public buildings. Since 2025, SEP has been complemented by SEP Construction, enabling the firm to deliver both design and construction in a unified, efficient process.