Cluj Arena is preparing to welcome its first Dinamo-FCSB derby this September, as the National Arena remains closed for football and the “Arcul de Triumf” is not favored by either club due to its limited capacity and poor pitch condition. The home team, Dinamo, will take advantage of a rental fee significantly lower than that of stadiums in Bucharest, costing approximately €4,000 plus utilities.
Cluj-Napoca is set to host this prominent derby, which promises to be an excellent marketing opportunity. With a capacity of 30,000 seats, the stadium is expected to be full, as Dinamo’s strong fan base in the Transylvania region will likely turn out in large numbers.
The arrangement also benefits the management of the home team. Alin Tișe, the president of the Cluj County Council, revealed that renting Cluj Arena for the match costs only €4,000 for a three-day period, which includes the day before the match, the match day, and the day after. Utilities such as water and electricity are billed separately.
In stark contrast, the rental fee for the National Arena in Bucharest has recently increased to €35,000, including rental and operational services. Meanwhile, the Steaua Stadium charges €24,670, a rate that was recently reduced by €10,000 upon the request of Minister Miruță. Renting the Rapid Stadium costs €17,000, and using “Arcul” exceeds €22,000.
Firm Stance from Cluj: “The Stadium is Meant for Sports!”
Why is the rental rate for Cluj Arena so low despite it being a modern stadium with over 30,000 seats? “We do not have an issue; we currently have the best pitch in Romania after hybridization. We were curious to see how it held up after being covered for four days during UNTOLD. I’m pleased that our investment has paid off,” Tișe explained.
He emphasized, “The stadium is designed for sports. If someone wishes to use it and does not disrupt the competitive schedule of Universitatea Cluj, there is no problem. Generally, we do not turn away anyone who wants to play and pays the fee. Our fee is much lower than in other places across the country, just €4,000 per match, established by a council resolution for a three-day rental period.”
Additionally, utilities such as water and electricity are measured before and after the event, with an inspection report documenting consumption. Essentially, utilities are billed separately.
Cluj Arena was constructed for public interest and to promote sports, not merely as a venue for conferences and rallies. “The stadium is meant for sports! We have about 10,000 people who purchase annual subscriptions to use the athletics track. Moreover, we have multiple sports rooms in the basements of the two stands, where people train in boxing, karate, taekwondo, and there is also a mini-indoor track,” Tișe stated exclusively.
“With the maintenance we have, we must ensure that the pitch is impeccable for every match, especially since the climate in Cluj can be unpredictable. Of course, this year has been warmer, but summers are not particularly long. That’s why we hybridized the pitch to adapt to this climate type.” – Alin Tișe, president of Cluj County Council
Cluj Arena ranks as the fourth largest stadium in Romania, following the Național Arena, Ghencea, and Ion Oblemenco Stadium in Craiova. Inaugurated in 2011, this stadium in the heart of Transylvania serves as the home ground for U Cluj and boasts a capacity of 30,335 seats.
