Air Albania Stadium (Arena Kombëtare) is Albania’s national football stadium, a roughly 22,500-seat arena about a kilometer south of Skanderbeg Square, right next to Blloku. You can’t miss it: the red-and-black façade and the tall glass tower in one corner are visible from half the city.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Where | Sheshi Italia 1, between Blloku and Mother Teresa Square (Google Maps) |
| Opened | 17 November 2019 (Albania vs France) |
| Capacity | About 22,500 |
| Price | Free to walk around; stadium tours and match tickets are paid |
| Time needed | 15 minutes outside, about an hour for a tour |
What is Air Albania Stadium?
The stadium was built on the site of the old Qemal Stafa Stadium, which was Albania’s main ground for about 70 years before it was knocked down in 2016. Florentine architect Marco Casamonti of Archea Associati designed the new one as an octagon with concave sides, loosely inspired by the outline of Albania, and wrapped it in panels in the national colors.
Look for the old colonnaded entrance on the Sheshi Italia side: it’s the original 1940s gate from Qemal Stafa, kept and built into the new arena. The tower in the north-west corner, about 112 meters tall, was the tallest building in Albania when it opened and now holds the Tirana Marriott hotel. The stadium has also had its big European night: it hosted the first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022, when Roma beat Feyenoord 1-0.
Can you visit Air Albania Stadium?
Yes. On non-match days you can walk around the outside, the arcade of shops and cafés, and the plaza in front. Guided stadium tours take you into areas like the stands, dressing rooms and VIP boxes; ask at the stadium or check with the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) for current tour times and prices, since they aren’t published in one place.
If you just want a look at the pitch, the bars and restaurants in the complex are an easy way in, and there’s a small Museum of Albanian Football on the first floor.
Watching a match
The national team plays its home games here, and the atmosphere is loud, proud and very red. Tickets go on sale through the FSHF and sell out quickly for big qualifiers. Get there early: the streets around the stadium close to traffic and everyone walks in from Blloku.
Getting there
It’s a flat 10–15 minute walk from Skanderbeg Square down the main boulevard, or 5 minutes from anywhere in Blloku. Pair it with the Pyramid of Tirana and the National Archaeological Museum on Mother Teresa Square, both a few minutes away.
FAQ
How many people does Air Albania Stadium hold?
About 22,500, all seated and covered.
Is Air Albania Stadium the same as Arena Kombëtare?
Yes. Arena Kombëtare (“National Arena”) is the official name; Air Albania is the sponsor.
Which hotel is in the Air Albania Stadium tower?
The Tirana Marriott, which occupies most of the 24-story tower.
