Olympic Palace

Located in a dynamic district of Tbilisi, the Olympic Palace is one of the most significant sports venues in Georgia. This large-scale multifunctional facility has remained a hub for active recreation and spectacular events for decades.

Olympic Palace. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Built in 1961 according to the design of architect Vladimir Aleksi-Meskhishvili and his colleagues, the palace is an impressive square measuring 88 by 88 meters. For a long time, it held the status of the largest basketball palace in the former USSR, and today it continues to surprise guests with its functionality and thoughtful architecture.

The modern appearance of the arena is the result of a high-quality reconstruction, which added comfortable stands with plastic seating and updated infrastructure. With a rating of 4.6, the Olympic Palace is deservedly considered one of the best venues in the capital for hosting major international tournaments and cultural events.

To contact the complex administration or check the schedule of upcoming events, you can use the official communication channels. The Olympic Palace is open for inquiries and provides up-to-date information on social media.

The main reason to visit this place is for the basketball matches. Here, you can see the legendary Dinamo Tbilisi club in action or cheer for the Georgia national team. Fans especially appreciate the excellent views from the stands and the opportunity to feel the powerful energy of the crowd in comfortable, modern conditions.

In addition to sports competitions, the Olympic Palace regularly serves as a venue for large-scale concerts, exhibitions, and entertainment shows. The flexibility of the space allows for events of various formats—from musical performances to business forums—attracting a wide range of audiences.

Visitors can also combine their trip to the palace with exploring the surrounding area. Its location near the university district creates a special atmosphere, perfect for leisurely walks after an exciting match or a cultural evening.

Finding the Olympic Palace is easy — it is located at 15a University St, in a lively district near several university buildings. If you prefer public transport, numerous buses and minibuses serve the area, stopping in the immediate vicinity of the sports arena.

A taxi ride from the city center (using popular services like Bolt or Yandex) will take only 10–15 minutes and cost approximately 5–10 GEL. For those using the metro, it is most convenient to head to the stations on the Saburtalo Line, from which you can take buses No. 10, 31, or 34, or enjoy a 10-15 minute walk.

For pedestrians in nearby neighborhoods, the way to the palace turns into a pleasant stroll through university streets, offering nice views of the city hills. If you plan to arrive by private car, parking is available next to the arena.

The history of this iconic venue began in 1961, when a group of prominent Georgian architects—Vladimir Aleksi-Meskhishvili, Yuri Kasradze, Temo Japaridze, and David Kadzhaya—worked on the project. From the moment it opened, the arena established itself as the largest basketball palace among the former USSR countries, becoming the home of the Dinamo club.

An important stage in the building's life occurred in 2007. At the initiative of the city authorities, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, costing approximately 5 million USD. During the work, the roof was completely replaced, modern individual seats were installed, and the playing area was significantly expanded.

The grand reopening of the renovated palace took place on August 22, 2007. Today, the facility is managed by Logic Group Ltd, which was granted the rights to operate the complex for 30 years. This has helped preserve the city's sporting heritage while adapting it to international event standards.

When planning a visit for a specific event, whether it's a basketball match or a music concert, you should budget about 2–3 hours. This will be enough time to go through security at the entrance without rushing, find your seat, and fully enjoy the spectacle.

If your goal is simply to view the building's architecture from the outside or get a brief look at the site without attending an event, 30–60 minutes will suffice. A short walk will allow you to appreciate the scale of the structure and take a few memorable photos against the backdrop of the famous facade.

The Olympic Palace operates on a convenient daily schedule, welcoming guests from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM. This schedule allows for both morning training sessions and large-scale evening events that conclude late at night.

It is important to note that on days of major matches or international concerts, working hours may vary depending on the specific event schedule. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the start time of the program you are interested in on the complex's official page.

The palace's location in one of the city's developed districts makes it easy to combine a sports event with a visit to other interesting locations. Exploring the surroundings can significantly enrich a visitor's experience, revealing different sides of Tbilisi.

Below are some notable sites located relatively close to the sports complex: