Craiova’s iconic Tineretului Stadium, a site steeped in sports history, is being transformed as construction workers tirelessly labor on its redevelopment. This venue, once the birthplace of Universitatea Craiova’s legend and the setting for significant cinematic moments, is set to emerge anew.
Located where the “Champion of a Great Love” was born, the renovation of Tineretului Stadium is progressing daily. The construction team has completed the foundation, basement, and ground floor of the new multifunctional arena, all part of a project costing over €75 million.
Craiova’s New Attraction Takes Shape
The new multi-purpose hall, designed to include Romania’s first indoor velodrome, is situated just 500 meters from the city’s jewel, Ion Oblemenco Stadium. Construction began two years ago, and although the project was slated for completion next year, delays are expected.
The facility will accommodate over 8,000 spectators and will feature a velodrome, an athletics track for international competitions, modular playing surfaces, and areas for concerts and other artistic events.
“Currently, there is no functional velodrome in Romania, but we hope to complete the project in Craiova. It will be the first and only indoor velodrome in the country. The one at Dinamo is no longer operational… We embarrassingly host our national championships in Bulgaria every year. It’s a rather tragic situation! Yet despite these challenges, we managed to secure a medal at a European Championship a few years ago through Daniel Crista at the velodrome,” stated Cătălin Sprînceană, president of the Romanian Cycling Federation.
The complex will also include locker rooms, training and treatment facilities for athletes, shops, and parking spaces.
“I Would Let You Take a Tour, but Our Engineer is Watching”
During a visit from GSP.RO on a scorching Sunday in July, the construction site was remarkably quiet. “It’s a day off, given by God!” joked one of the guards on site.
“We have cameras everywhere! They monitor us like at NASA. I would let you take a tour, but our engineer is watching,” he commented, taking a drag from his cigarette. “From the Bulgarians, because they’re cheaper,” he added.
The site holds a special place in the hearts of locals. The most beloved team in Oltenia has played here since 1948, under various names: UNSR Craiova, CSU Craiova, Știința Craiova, and Universitatea.
It was at this arena that the team was promoted to the first division in 1964. In 1967, Universitatea moved 500 meters west to the “Central” stadium.
The once-neglected venue had fallen into disrepair, with broken wooden bleachers and shattered concrete steps. It was here that notable figures such as Valeri Lobanovski, Sven-Göran Eriksson, and Jupp Heynckes would take their seats over the years.
A Stadium Rich with Stories
Constructed over 11 years due to its swampy location, the old arena required significant effort from the military in Craiova for its completion. The involvement of King Carol II was pivotal in establishing the stadium’s legacy.
Originally envisioned as a vast sports complex, it included a football pitch, running track, shooting range, and courts for volleyball and tennis.
Over the years, it hosted numerous propaganda events, and in 1943, Marshal Antonescu visited the stadium to commemorate Oltenia Week, held ten years after its inauguration.
The German army also made use of the stadium, organizing parades dedicated to Adolf Hitler. However, for football fans, Tineretului remains the stadium that brought Craiova its first national title.
In the 1942-1943 season, FC Craiova, managed by Grigore “Puiu” Pleșia and coached by Johann Walter, triumphed in a competition overshadowed by World War II, making it an unofficial chapter in Romanian football history.
“Saturday Evening Ball” Filmed Here with Papaiani and Puiu Calinescu
The site of the new multifunctional arena has also served as a filming location for the 1967 comedy “Balul de sâmbătă seara,” directed by Geo Saizescu, featuring actors like Sebastian Papaiani and Puiu Călinescu. Notably, the film includes scenes from the match between Universitatea Craiova and Progresul, with a memorable moment featuring a truck bringing in fans cheering, “Come on, Oltenii!”
Renovation efforts are proceeding according to plan, with a significant portion of the work, including the foundation, basement, and ground floor, reportedly completed, as shared by Cosmin Vasile, the president of the Dolj County Council.
