Construction begins on Iceland’s new National Hall

Construction has formally begun on Iceland’s new National Hall, an indoor sports venue in Laugardalur intended to serve as the home ground for the country’s national teams. The first spadeful of earth was turned by young elite athletes from national teams and local clubs, mbl.is reported.

The ceremony began at 1 p.m. at Laugardalshöll, where representatives of the government, Reykjavík City, the sports movement and the project’s contractors gave speeches. Speakers included Thomas Möller, chair of the board of Þjóðarhöll ehf.; Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Daði Már Kristófersson; Reykjavík Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir; Education and Children’s Affairs Minister Inga Sæland; Íslenskir aðalverktakar chief executive Þoroddur Ottesen Arnarson; and Willum Þór Þórsson, president of the Icelandic Olympic and Sports Association.

The new hall is planned to cover about 17,700 square metres, with 8,600 seats and capacity for up to 12,000 people at events. It is designed to meet international standards for competition venues and improve training and competition facilities for children and young people in Laugardalur.

The project is scheduled for completion in January 2030, ahead of the 2031 Men’s Handball World Championship, which Iceland will host with Denmark and Norway.

“With the first spadeful, a new chapter in Icelandic sports history begins,” Möller said in a statement. He said the hall would be a home ground for national teams and a venue for major events, while also improving facilities for young people.