After six year of construction the Jerusalem Payis Sports Arena will open with a salute to IDF lone soldiers. The gala event will take place on Thursday evening 16 Elul in the presence of President Reuven Rivlin, Mayor Nir Barkat and Payis Lottery CEO Uzi Dayan.

The new stadium was built on 47,000 square meters and it has eight levels, 18 exits and 11,600 seats. The stadium cost 400 million to construct, of which 281 million came from the Payis Lottery. It has an advance LED screen, sound system and electronics, more so than anything in Europe today.

8,500 soldiers and 12th graders are expected to attend the opening event. The new arena will become the new home for Jerusalem’s Hapoel soccer team since it conforms to FIBA standard and can host international competitions.

Mayor Barkat feels the stadium is important since it is now among the most advanced in the world. He views the stadium as an important component towards his vision of a New Jerusalem since it is a stadium that is worthy of hosting international events.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)