On 9 September, the new Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) sports complex at Cigoriņu iela 3 in Riga was opened. The nearly €13.4 million, 3,627 m² complex brings together studies, sports, and research in one location, providing a modern environment for RSU students, including students of the RSU Sports Academy, as well as the university’s sports teams, researchers, and employees.
The new complex is one of RSU’s most significant infrastructure development projects in recent years and a targeted university investment in students and their study environment. The first plans for the construction of a new sports hall were developed as early as 2016. Initially, it was planned to build it on Konsula iela. In 2019, research and coordination work began for the site of the existing RSU sports facilities. Over ten years, the concept was gradually developed into a modern sports, study and research complex.
“This is an investment in our students – in their education, health, athletic development, and opportunities to achieve more. As early as 2016, under the leadership of Rector Professor Jānis Gardovskis, we outlined the first sketches and plans for the future RSU sports hall, and today we see the result of those ideas. The road to this point has been long, but we have kept the promise we made to our students – to create a modern environment where studies, sports, and science come together in one place. Now this environment is a reality,” emphasises RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons.
The Rector noted that the new complex is an important next step in the development of sports studies and research at RSU. Since the integration of the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) into RSU on 1 July 2024, the university has been purposefully strengthening its capacity in sports education and research. From 1 September this year, the former RSU LASE continues its work under a new name – the Rīga Stradiņš University Sports Academy (RSU SA). The name change marks the academy’s further development, preserving Latvia’s traditions in sports education while at the same time advancing modern sports education, research, and the training of professionals for the sports sector.
The opening of the sports complex was attended by Minister of Health Hosams Abu Meri, Adviser to the Minister of Education and Science Andris Čuda, Chairman of the Riga City Council Viesturs Kleinbergs, RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons, Chair of the Board of the RSU Student Union Kristiana Jurkevica, and Rolands Orlovskis, Chairman of the Board of SIA Selva Būve.
After the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, a symbolic RSU ball was signed in the new sports hall and the first shot was taken at the basket, marking the beginning of the complex’s sporting life. Guests had the opportunity to tour the new building and explore the facilities it offers.
A Home for RSU Sports, Studies and Research
The new complex includes a sports hall for basketball and volleyball that meets international standards, a gym with strength, cardio, and functional training zones, exercise rooms, specialised rooms for Pilates and yoga, as well as a multifunctional hall for various sports activities and group classes.
A significant part of the complex is dedicated to studies and research. It includes a scientific research laboratory for measuring human body and physical parameters, physiotherapy rooms, and a medical station. The sports games and exercise halls will also make it possible to carry out a substantial part of the study process for RSU Sports Academy students in the new complex.
The new infrastructure will make it possible to link sports science even more closely with practice – using modern technologies in the study process, researching human physical capabilities, and developing science-based approaches to athlete training and the promotion of public health.
A Home of Their Own for RSU Sports Teams
The new complex is also a significant benefit for RSU sports teams, which will now have the opportunity to both train and play home games in one location. It will provide a modern environment for high-level training and the organisation of competitions, while strengthening the RSU sports community and students’ sense of belonging to the university.
The complex will be accessible not only to high-performance athletes. Its infrastructure is intended for the wider RSU community, promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among students and employees.
Particular attention has also been paid to accessibility in the building – a lift and adapted sanitary facilities have been installed, universal design solutions have been used, and parking facilities for bicycles and electric mobility devices have also been provided.
A Ten-Year Vision Has Become a Reality
The active development of the sports complex on Cigoriņu iela began in 2020, when the first sketches and plans for constructing a sports hall on this street were created. In the following years, studies of the site and development possibilities were carried out, project solutions were developed, and the necessary preparatory work was completed for construction to begin.
The construction design was completed in April 2024, while construction began in December 2024. On 16 April 2025, a time capsule was ceremonially placed in the foundations of the complex. Now, ten years after the first ideas emerged, the project has been completed, creating new infrastructure for RSU students and the sports community for the decades ahead.
The total planned cost of the sports building is nearly €13.4 million including VAT. Of this, €0.5 million is co-financing from the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility for the purchase of equipment related to the integration of LASE into RSU. The remaining costs are covered by RSU funds.
The event is organised within the project No. KPVIS 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/005 RSU Internal Consolidation and External Consolidation of RSU with LASE, funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility plan and the state budget.
