A look at the new National Arena
The design for the new National Arena is taking shape. It's a multipurpose sports facility built to modern standards, offering exemplary amenities for national teams, sports clubs, and the public for sports, spectating, and community gatherings.
On behalf of the national government and the City of Reykjavík, Þjóðarhöll ehf. has selected the proposal submitted by ÍAV (Iceland Prime Contractors) for the design and construction of the new National Arena in Laugardalur.
In 2024, organizers invited teams to take on the project. This team-based approach sought to engage a group of parties to oversee the entire development from start to finish — from the initial design to the completed structure. A prequalification process selected three teams to participate in competitive bidding. The competitive bidding process yielded two final bids — one from the Ístak hf. team and one from the Íslenskir aðalverktakar hf. team.
The Ministry of Education and Children is overseeing the project on behalf of the national government, with collaboration from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. The Government Construction Contracting Agency – Government Property Agency managed the procurement process.
During the bid evaluation, a 13-member assessment committee reviewed 32 detailed criteria based on requirements that the national government and the City set for the structure. The project aimed to ensure exemplary quality in the design, construction, and operation of National Arena, prioritizing functionality, appearance, finish, accessibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, the Íslenskir aðalverktakar hf. team — alongside ASK Architects, COWI, LPO Architects, Ísloft, EOH, and Landhönnun — won the final selection. In 2024, organizers invited teams to take on the project. This team-based approach sought to engage a group of parties to oversee the entire development from start to finish — from the initial design to the completed structure. A prequalification process selected three teams to participate in competitive bidding. The competitive bidding process yielded two final bids — one from the Ístak hf. team and one from the Íslenskir aðalverktakar hf. team.
The bid totals 16.8 billion króna, including VAT. Contract negotiations and final design work will offer opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or functionality.
The new National Arena will transform conditions for national team athletes across various sports, greatly improve facilities for children, young people, and other athletes, and serve as a multipurpose venue for the entire nation.
The new facility will stand in the heart of Laugardalur, south of Laugardalshöll Arena, offering strong connections to the city's bus rapid transit line, walking and cycling routes, and existing structures: Laugardalshöll and Frjálsíþróttahöll. Service users will include sports clubs, national team groups from sports federations for training and competition, nearby schools, universities for physical education, and various event organizers.
The National Arena will welcome everyone as a venue for public health initiatives and a hub for athletes and the public, featuring food and beverage services connected to the spectator area.
The Þjóðarhöll ehf. website provides more information about the structure.
Under public procurement rules, a mandatory standstill period has begun, allowing bidders to review the outcome and, if necessary, submit objections or refer the decision to the Public Procurement Complaints Committee before the parties sign a contract. Once the parties finalize the contract, construction preparations will begin.