# Tehelné pole

Tehelné pole or National football stadium (Slovak: Národný futbalový štadión) is a multi-use stadium in Bratislava, Slovakia. It was completed in 2019 and is used for football matches, including the home matches of ŠK Slovan Bratislava and the Slovakia national football team. This project concerns mutual assistance between well-known Slovak entrepreneur Ivan Kmotrík as the owner of ŠK Slovan Bratislava and the Government of Slovakia. The stadium has a capacity of 22,500 spectators, and replaced the old Tehelné pole stadium, which was demolished in summer 2013.

## Location

Tehelné pole is a neighborhood in Bratislava, Slovakia, characterized by the presence of several sports facilities. Administratively, the neighborhood belongs to Nové Mesto borough, situated around 5 km north-east of the centre. The German and Hungarian names for this locality are Ziegelfeld and Téglamező.

## Transport

Tehelné Pole is located in the third district of Bratislava, Slovakia. The arena can be approached by tram, trolleybus and bus.
| Service | Stop | Line | Walking distance |
| Tram | Česká, Nová doba | 4 | 300–400 m |
| Bus | Česká, Nová doba | N53, X4 | 300–400 m |
| Trolleybus | TIPOS aréna | 47, 60, 61 | 600 m |
| Bus | Bajkalská, Nová doba | 39, 53, 63, 75, 78, 98, 163, N74 | 200–250 m |
| Regional Bus | Bajkalská, Nová doba | 506, 520, 540, 550, 565, 599, 610, 620, 622, 630, 632 | 200–250 m |
Drivers can park directly under the National Football Stadium. There is space for 994 cars. An additional 365 parking spaces are offered at the Ondrej Nepela Arena, which is approximately 300 m away from the stadium or Polus City Center, which offers 1,683 parking spaces. This shopping center is located on Vajnorská 100 street, which is 350 m away.

## Milestone matches

The first match was played at the stadium on 16 January 2019. Only holders of season tickets had access to the friendly game between Slovan and Czech First League side Sigma Olomouc. The first competitive match took place on 3 March 2019. In the 21st round of the Slovak League, Slovan defeated their main rivals Trnava in front of sold-out stands. On 11 May 2019, Slovan, who had already clinched the title, defeated Žilina 6–2 in a special match, which was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the club's establishment. Slovan had celebrated this anniversary on 3 May. On 24 May 2019, Slovan defeated Sereď 3–1 in the last league round. After the match, the first championship celebrations took place at the stadium.
As league champion, Slovan qualified for the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League. The first European match at the stadium took place on 10 July 2019. In it, Slovan drew with Sutjeska Nikšić, the champion of Montenegro. Two weeks later, the first Europa League game was played at the stadium. In the second qualifying round, Slovan played against Feronikeli from Kosovo. Slovan then advanced to the group stage of the competition and played against Besiktas, Wolverhampton and Braga.
On 13 October 2019, the first international match took place at Tehelné pole. Slovakia drew with Paraguay in a friendly.
On 4 December 2019, Slovan played their first match in the Slovak Cup at the stadium, defeating Žilina 2–0. On 8 July 2020, the stadium hosted the 2020 Slovak Cup Final. Slovan defeated Ružomberok 1–0 and celebrated victory at their home stadium.
On 16 September 2021, the first Conference League match was played at Tehelné pole. Slovan lost to Copenhagen in the group stage of the newly created competition.

### Notes

* ↑ Only a trial match.
* ↑ Limited capacity; access allowed to season ticket holders only.
* ↑ The official opening match.

## Image gallery

* Tehelné Pole stadium in 2019
* Tehelné Pole stadium in 2021
* A stand at the Tehelné Pole Stadium (2021)

## Concert venue

The stadium also serves as a concert venue. Slovak band Elán was the first band to perform at the National Football Stadium. The list of concerts can be seen below:
| Date | Artist or Event Title | Attendance |
| 29 May 2019 | Elán | ~20,000 |
| 5 June 2019 | Kabát | ~26,000 |
| 10 June 2022 | IMT Smile, Lucie... (Lovestream Festival) | ~10,000 |
| 11 June 2022 | Dua Lipa, Lost Frequencies... (Lovestream Festival) | ~20,000 |
| 12 June 2022 | Red Hot Chili Peppers, Calum Scott... (Lovestream Festival) | 28,600 |
| 28 May 2023 | Depeche Mode | ~30,000 |

## Other stadiums/venues nearby

Other stadiums or venues near Tehelné pole locality include Štadión Pasienky (built 1962), home ground of FK Inter Bratislava, ice hockey Ondrej Nepela Arena (rebuilt from 2009 to 2011), home of the team HC Slovan Bratislava and the National Tennis Centre (built 2003), which is used for Fed Cup as well as Davis Cup matches, concerts and other events.