World Stadiums: Arena Kombëtare, Tirana, Albania
Arena Kombëtare (Air Albania Stadium for sponsorship reasons) is the national stadium of Albania and the home of the Albanian national football team. It hosts qualifiers for the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup. It also stages the Albanian Cup final and key Superliga matches.
The ground is the largest stadium in Albania. The pitch size is the standard 110 x 68 meters, featuring a natural grass surface and LED floodlights. In 2022, the stadium hosted the first ever Europa Conference League final between AS Roma and Feyenoord Rotterdam.
Stands
There are four stands. The Main Stand will be named the Qemal Stafa Stand, commemorating both the national hero and the former stadium that once stood on the same site. The East Stand will be known as the Panajot Pano Stand, honoring the legendary KF Partizani player. The North Stand will carry the name Fatmir Frashëri Stand, in tribute to the former KF Tirana star. Finally, the South Stand will be dedicated as the Vasillaq Zëri Stand, recognizing the legacy of the former FK Dinamo player.
History
The striking stadium was officially inaugurated in November 2019 with a friendly match against France. The stadium replaced the historic Qemal Stafa Stadium, blending modern facilities with symbolic design elements that reflect Albanian identity and heritage.
Designed by Italian architect Marco Casamonti, the Arena Kombëtare is a striking multi-purpose venue that stands out in Tirana's cityscape. The exterior features red-and-black façades, echoing Albania's national colors, while its tower rises above the stadium, housing offices and offering panoramic views of the city. The seating bowl is compact, with steep stands ensuring excellent sight lines for all spectators.
Inside the stadium, visitors can enjoy state-of-the-art amenities. It includes VIP boxes, a luxury hotel (the Tirana Marriott Hotel with views of the pitch) integrated into the complex, conference halls, restaurants, and retail spaces. The stadium also houses the headquarters of the Albanian Football Association (FSHF) and a football and history museum.
Capacity
Arena Kombëtare's capacity is 22,500.
Uses
As well as soccer matches, the stadium has been used for music concerts and other events.
Access - Getting To Arena Kombëtare
The ground is located in the center of Tirana, making it easy to reach on foot or by public transport. It is also around a 25-minute drive from Tirana International Airport (TIA). For those staying in the city, most major hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within a short walk. Parking is available, though it is limited on matchdays, so using taxis or walking from central areas is recommended.
Address: Sheshi Italia 1, 1010, Tirana
Nearby Hotels
See here for a complete accommodation list of available hotels in Tirana in Albania.
More World Stadium Guides
Gallery
©Soccerphile.com
Buy tickets for soccer matches around the world