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The Armenian government will allocate 600 million drams ($1.65 million) to reconstruct and renovate the running track and necessary infrastructure at Hrazdan Stadium ahead of the 2027 Jeux de la Francophonie, the 10th Francophone Games, which Armenia will host.
The funding was approved at the Cabinet meeting on September 24 as part of the consent agenda.
Given the urgency of the procurement, the government approved a single-source procedure without competitive bidding, with the contract to be signed with GTS Construction LLC, which is currently building the Artur Abraham Sports Complex.
The contract with the contractor will not include the rubber running-track surface or the asphalt or concrete base layers required for its installation. Those works will be carried out by another organization through a separate procurement procedure. The government notes that foreign manufacturers, suppliers and specialized organizations may need to be involved in those works.
The contractor will be required to provide contract performance and qualification security, each amounting to 5% of the total contract value.
According to a technical assessment of Hrazdan Stadium, the venue can accommodate around 21,566 spectators during events. The southern and northern stands may be used at 50% capacity, while the western stand may be used at full capacity. Only the first 11 rows of the eastern stand may be used. Spectators will not be allowed in the upper tiers.
As state funds will be used to improve privately owned infrastructure, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports must submit a draft to the government within three months setting out the conditions for using the stadium for state programs over the next 20 years.
The stadium is also planned to host Armenian championships, international competitions and concerts, as well as training sessions of the Olympic Youth Athletics Sports School.