Darius and Girėnas Stadium


Darius and Girėnas stadium is a multi-use stadium in Kaunas, Lithuania. With a seating capacity of 15,026, it is the largest stadium in Lithuania and the Baltic states. Located in the Ąžuolynas park in Žaliakalnis district, it serves as a venue for football matches, athletic competitions, and other events. In 1998, the stadium was renovated according to UEFA regulations, and in 2005, it was modernised with the installation of the biggest stadium television screen in the Baltic states. The latest renovation started in 2018 and ended in 2022. During the sporting season, at least 50 events are held here annually.
Darius and Girėnas Stadium belongs to Žalgiris Group, which operates the largest arena in the Baltic States and the Kaunas Sports Hall.
WWW stadionas.lt

History

The first stadium in this place was designed and established by Steponas Darius and Kęstutis Bulota in 1923, and completed in 1925. In 1935–1936, the stadium was renovated and named the State Stadium. Starting in 1969 the stadium underwent another reconstruction that lasted for 10 years until August 1979. Wooden tribunes were replaced with reinforced concrete structures and placed in a half circle.
After Lithuania regained independence, in 1993 the stadium was named after the Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, who died in a crash near the end of an attempted non-stop flight from New York to Lithuania. The site is currently the home ground of the football club FK Kauno Žalgiris. It is a part of the S. Darius and S. Girėnas sport center, which also includes the nearby Kaunas Sports Hall, built in 1939.
On 23 November 2021, the informal shortening Darius and Girėnas Stadium officially replaced the former name, eliminating the pilots' first names from the label.

Reconstruction and reopening

In July 2010, talks began that modernizing the stadium is the cheapest option for Lithuania to develop a football stadium that could host international matches. Two thirds of the renovation costs were proposed to be provided by Lithuanian Football Federation. Despite many initiatives to launch the renovation from various groups no actual actions were started, as an agreement for funding and project specifications could not be achieved.
Another attempt to revitalize the stadium was started in February 2016 by the newly elected Kaunas City Municipality which adopted a plan to revamp major sport infrastructure in Kaunas. Early proposals suggested that the seating capacity should be expanded to 12,500–20,000 roof-covered seats, under-soil heating installed, and stadium should reach Category 4 of UEFA stadium classification.
On 18 August 2017, the reconstruction project was officially presented to the public. After the reconstruction, the stadium will have seating capacity of 15,026 for sport events and up to 55,000 for concerts and other events. On 15 June 2018, Kayı Construction and Kaunas City Municipality signed the reconstruction contract. The stadium was re-opened with the 2022 Lithuanian Football Cup final on 16 October 2022. The reconstruction cost 43 million euros. After reconstruction, the stadium had Desso GrassMaster surface and is completely covered with a roof over the stands.
The stadium has 9 VIP boxes with a capacity of more than 300 people, 3 VIP lounge areas with a capacity of about 900 people, 3 conference rooms and more than 180 parking spaces.
5 modern outdoor tennis courts with artificial grass have been installed near the stadium.
In January 2025, new construction for the pitch surface bagan. During the first year of operation under Žalgiris Arena management, it was found out that that there was too much black soil and clay in the layers below it. This prevented the grass from taking root more firmly in depth and interfered with high-quality drainage - water stagnated on the surface. Also, the top layer of the coating became too soft, slippery and easily damaged. A new
"Mixto" hybrid grass "Lay&Play" technology surface was chosen to be used instead of Desso GrassMaster surface. On 12 March 2025, the new surface installation was finished. In accordance with UEFA recommendations, before the new pitch surface was installed, the automatic irrigation system was also upgraded to 24 nozzles.

Sporting events

Athletics

Lithuanian Athletics Championships

Lithuanian Athletics Championships is the national Lithuanian championship in athletics, organized by the Lithuanian Athletics Federation. The first competition was held in 1921 at the location where Darius and Girėnas Stadium was built. It is the oldest sporting event in Lithuania. The competition was held in Kaunas a total of 36 times. The 89th 2014 Lithuanian Athletics Championships was the last time competition was held in Kaunas.

XVIII European Athletics U20 Championships

The 2005 European Athletics Junior Championships was the 18th edition of the biennial athletics competition for European under-20 athletes, which was held in Kaunas, Lithuania on 21–24 July.

IX European Athletics U23 Championships

The 7th European Athletics U23 Championships were held between 16 and 19 July 2009 in the S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas, Lithuania.

World Athletics Continental Tour

On June 18, 2025, The World Athletics Continental Tour competition "Cosma Cup" was held at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium – the first athletics event of this level in the history of Lithuania. The Cosma Cup competition was attended by Lithuanian Olympians Andrius Gudžius, Diana Zagainova, Modesta Justė Morauskaitė, Gediminas Truskauskas, Liveta Jasiūnaitė, Martynas Alekna, Lithuanian record holder Simas Bertašius, rising sprint star Adas Dambrauskas, and world-class foreign track and field athletes: 2021 Tokyo Olympics champion, 2019 and 2023 world champion Swedish Daniel Ståhl, World and European champion from Britain Adam Gemili, African vice-champions from South Africa Rivaldo Roberts and Mafori Ryan Mphahlele, world vice-champion with the French 4×400 m team Loïc Prévot, South American champion from Tatiane Raquel da Silva. These competitions were combined with the Lithuanian Athletics Cup competitions.

Football

XII UEFA European Under-19 Championship

The 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship was the 12th edition of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, since its reclassification from an under-18 tournament in 2002, and the 62nd since the tournament was created in 1948. It was hosted in Lithuania from 20 July to 1 August 2013, in three cities.

Lithuanian national football team games (since 2022)

The following is a list of Lithuanian national football team matches since 2022.

Lithuanian Football Cup finals (since 2022)

The Lithuanian Football Federation Cup is a Lithuanian football cup competition contested in a knockout tournament format. The winner of the cup gains entitlement to participate in the Lithuanian Supercup as well as the UEFA Europa Conference League.

2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship

The 2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship was the 21st edition of the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship, the annual international youth football championship organised by UEFA for the women's under-19 national teams of Europe. Lithuania hosted the tournament.
Semi-finals
Final

UEFA Youth League

On September 17, 2025, a UEFA Youth League qualifying match was held at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium between FK Be1 and HJK Helsinki. The match ended in a draw - 1:1.

Concerts (since 2022)

The grand opening show "Welcome Back!" took place at the stadium's opening event on October 16, 2022. It was attended by the most famous Lithuanian music performers, such as Saulius Prūsaitis, Iglė, Jonas Nainys-Jovani, Marijonas Mikutavičius, Justinas Jarutis, Jessica Shy and others. This performance is not considered a full concert and is therefore not presented. The opening match and the show were officially watched by attendance of 13,589 spectators.
In August 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran held two concerts at the stadium that attracted 81,119 spectators, thus setting a record for ticket sales in the Baltic States, while the first date set record attendance of about 50,000 spectators. During these concerts, the nearby Kaunas Sports Hall was also used as a technical area.
DateArtistTourAttendanceNotes
26 August 2023

Other events (since 2022)

From June 14 to July 14, 2024, UEFA Euro 2024 matches were broadcast on a big screen at the stadium and on the stadium's tennis courts.
From November 22, 2024 to February 17, 2025, a winter camp was held at the stadium, during which a skating rink was installed at the stadium.

Home Teams

FK Kauno Žalgiris and the Lithuania national football team team play their home matches at the stadium.

Partnerships & Tenants

On May 17, 2024, Žalgiris Shop opened its doors at the stadium.
In June 2024, the stadium signed a cooperation agreement with Carlsberg Group, under which part of the VIP Lounge area and the nearby tennis courts were named after the sponsor.
In August 2024, the HOLOS wellness studio opened its doors at the stadium.
In November 2024, the Fitnie Academy by Galinta sports club opened its doors at the stadium.
In April 2025, the stadium signed an agreement with Cupra, under which part of the stadium's VIP Lounge area was named after the sponsor.
In August 2025, the stadium signed an agreement with Birštono mineraliniai vandenys, under which part of the stadium's VIP Lounge area was named after the product AKVILĖ.

Transport

Darius and Girėnas Stadium is located just 1,5 km. from the main pedestrian street of the city – Laisvės alėja.
During major stadium events, 3 hours before, during and 3 hours after the event, event ticket holders can travel by city public transport for free, and for the convenience of spectators, regular bus and trolleybus routes run more frequently, and additional special routes “ST1”, “ST2”, “ST3”, “ST4” are also organized.
During major concerts and sporting events, residents of the capital can also arrive at the stadium by special bus and train routes, which return to Vilnius after the event.

Notable Events & Facts

The opening and consecration ceremonies of the first stadium in Lithuania took place on September 6–8, 1924. During the celebration, football, basketball, baseball tournaments, and athletics competitions were held.
One of the largest events held at the stadium during the interwar years was the first National Olympics, held on July 17–31, 1938 – a worldwide Lithuanian sports festival and gathering. About 10,000 people attended the opening ceremonies, and 2,000 athletes from all over the world gathered. President Antanas Smetona presented the athletes with the Olympic flag, and a thousand doves were released into the sky.
During his sports career, former President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus competed in athletics at the stadium.
In 1960, the first rugby football match in Lithuania was held at the stadium.
On September 15, 1990, German singer Dieter Bohlen and the band Blue Systems performed at the stadium.
On September 6, 1993, Pope John Paul II held a meeting with young people at the stadium during his
visit to Lithuania. The event was attended by 30,000 spectators.
On August 2, 2000, the FBK Kaunas team, which made its debut in the European football club tournament – the UEFA Champions League – played a match at the stadium against the Glasgow Rangers.
On September 7, 2002, the first match of the 2004 European Football Championship Group V qualifying match was played between the Lithuania and the world vice-champion Germany. During the break in the match, one of the most famous Lithuanian football players, Valdas Ivanauskas, was escorted from the big football.
On July 26, 2005, the stadium hosted a match between one of the most successful football teams in Europe, the 2004–2005 UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool FC and FBK Kaunas.
On March 24, 2007, the 2008 European Football Championship qualifying match was played between Lithuania and the world vice-champion France. The match was broadcast live by Eurosport and about 30 television channels in various countries.
On July 6, 2007, a general song festival “Būties ratu" was held at the stadium. The festive program was attended by national youth, youth, young adults, girls, youth, seniors and elderly folk dance groups, as well as adult folk dance groups from abroad.
On August 5, 2008, FBK Kaunas achieved a historic victory: in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, they eliminated the elite Scottish club Glasgow Rangers and advanced to the third qualifying round.
At the end of March 2011, before the match between Lithuania and Spain, the stadium received criticism and attention from the global sports media due to the extremely poor pitch.
On March 29, 2011, the 2012 European Football Championship qualifying tournament Group I match was held between the Lithuania and Spain.
The first player to score a goal after the stadium's reconstruction was completed was Marko Milićković
Sel became the first band to perform at the stadium after its reconstruction.
On September 30, 2023, the Lithuanian and FIFA Football Legends match was held. Dida, Julio Cesar, Michel Salgado, Roque Junior, Levan Kobiashvili, Fabio Cannavaro, Carles Puyol, Youri Djorkaeff, Ricardo Quaresma, Aldair, Houssine Kharja, David Trezeguet, Esteban Cambiasso, Nuno Gomes, Christian Karembeu, Antonio Valencia, Serginho, Vincent Candela took part in the competition. FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched the match at the stadium.
On October 6, 2023, the band Sel released a, which was filmed during a concert at the stadium.
Ed Sheeran became the first artist to sell out tickets for a stadium concert.
Ed Sheeran became the first and only artist to hold an additional concert at the stadium.
On July 26, 2024, Lithuanian artist Martynas Kavaliauskas for the song "Karaliai", part of which was filmed at the stadium.
After the first of two concerts, Ed Sheeran posted a video showing him playing Pokemon at the Darius and Girenas Stadium.
More than 100 heavy trucks delivered the equipment needed for E. Sheeran's concerts in August 2024. This is a record amount in the history of Kaunas events.
Ed Sheeran and his +–=÷× Tour is the highest-grossing concert/tour in stadium history: the concert sold 81,119 tickets and grossed $8,597,307.
In September 2024, the match between Lithuania and Cyprus did not take place at the stadium and was moved to Marijampolė due to the turf being damaged during the previous concerts held at the stadium and not having time to recover.
Justin Timberlake and his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour hold the record for the fastest-selling stadium concert tickets: all tickets for the artist's concert were officially sold out 80 minutes after the start of public sales
On September 27, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran, filmed during concerts in Kaunas.
On September 27, 2024, Lithuanian singer Jessica Shy, filmed during concerts in Kaunas.
On October 4, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran, filmed during concert in Kaunas.
On October 18, 2024, Lithuanian singer Jessica Shy, filmed during concert in Kaunas
In October 2024, the Darius and Girenas Stadium celebrated its 100th anniversary.
On November 28, 2024, the Lithuanian band Žemaitukai for the song "Šiandien aš švenčiu", part of which was filmed at the stadium.
On December 27, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran, filmed during concerts in Kaunas.
On April 12, 2025, the A Lyga match between FK Kauno Žalgiris and FK Sūduva broke the league's twenty-year attendance record and became the most attended A League match in Kaunas. The match was watched by 6,575 spectators.
On May 6, 2025, the President Valdas Adamkus Athletics Manege, which meets international requirements, was officially opened next to the stadium. The new manege will ensure high-quality conditions for training and warming up before prestigious starts or high-ranking competitions at the Darius and Girenas Stadium.
During Justin Timberlake's concert at the stadium, the logistics chain involved about a thousand people: 200 security guards, 300 waiters, 100 cleaning crew members, ticket control and technical staff, as well as about 200 members from Live Nation and Justin Timberlake's teams.
The cheapest ticket for a concert at the stadium in the 2023-2025 period cost 29 euros, the most expensive - 1,115.70 euros.
Guns N' Roses are the first foreign artists who did not sell out all the tickets for their concert at Darius and Girėnas Stadium.
Former Minister of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania and former Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė attended the Guns N' Roses concert - the politician is a big fan of the band.
Guns N' Roses veteran bassist Duff McKagan shared a photo from the performance online after the concert and the news that his wife is from Lithuania and came to the stadium specifically for this purpose.
On August 7, 2025, the FK Kauno Žalgiris club's all-time attendance record was set at Darius and Girėnas Stadium - 7,562 spectators watched the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round match against FC Arda.
Memphis Depay became the Netherlands' all-time top scorer, scoring two goals in his team's victory over Lithuania on September 7, 2025, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
On October 12, 2025, a record number of away fans attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Lithuania and Poland - there were about 4,000 fans from Poland at the stadium.
On October 12, 2025, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Lithuania and Poland, one of the fans suffered a cardiac arrest, which was restored thanks to attentive spectators and doctors after performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
On October 12, 2025, the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Inga Ruginienė, and the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, visited the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Lithuania and Poland.
On October 22, 2025, during the A Lyga match between FK Kauno Žalgiris and FK Žalgiris held at the stadium, the home team was awarded the first title in the club's history.