Darius and Girėnas Stadium

File:Bulota-Darius.jpg of the 1923 football–athletics–baseball–track cycling stadium with basketball courts inside it]]

File:Darius Girenas Stadium by Augustas Didzgalvis.jpg

File:Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas by aiwaiam.jpg

The first stadium in this place was designed and established by Steponas Darius and Kęstutis Bulota in 1923, and completed in 1925. In 1935–1936, the stadium was renovated and named the State Stadium ({{langx|lt|Valstybinis stadionas}}). Starting in 1969 the stadium underwent another reconstruction that lasted for 10 years until August 1979. Wooden tribunes were replaced with reinforced concrete structures and placed in a half circle.

After Lithuania regained independence, in 1993 the stadium was named after the Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, who perished in a crash near the end of an attempted non-stop flight from New York to Lithuania. The site is currently the home ground of the football club FK Kauno Žalgiris. It is a part of the S. Darius and S. Girėnas sport center, which also includes the nearby Kaunas Sports Hall, built in 1939.

On 23 November 2021, the informal shortening Darius and Girėnas Stadium officially replaced the former name, eliminating the pilots' first names from the label.{{cite news |last1=Šileikė |first1=Edita |title=Pritarta: bus keičiamas S. Dariaus ir S. Girėno stadiono pavadinimas |url=https://www.diena.lt/naujienos/kaunas/miesto-pulsas/pritarta-bus-keiciamas-s-dariaus-ir-s-gireno-stadiono-pavadinimas-1052485 |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=Diena Media News |date=23 November 2021 |language=lt}}

In July 2010, talks began that modernizing the stadium is the cheapest option for Lithuania to develop a football stadium that could host international matches.{{cite news|title=Kaunui veriasi galimybė turėti nacionalinį futbolo stadioną|url=http://www.ve.lt/naujienos/sportas/kaunui-veriasi-galimybe-tureti-nacionalini-futbolo-stadiona/|access-date=25 August 2010|newspaper=Vakarų Ekspresas|date=2 July 2010|language=lt}} Two thirds of the renovation costs were proposed to be provided by Lithuanian Football Federation. Despite many initiatives to launch the renovation from various groups no actual actions were started, as an agreement for funding and project specifications could not be achieved.{{cite news|last1=Anilionytė|first1=Jūratė|title=Nesutariama, kas rengs ir apmokės Kauno stadiono rekonstrukcijos projektą|url=https://www.delfi.lt/sportas/futbolas/nesutariama-kas-rengs-ir-apmokes-kauno-stadiono-rekonstrukcijos-projekta.d?id=53800885|access-date=7 September 2017|work=DELFI|publisher=LTV "Panorama"|date=6 January 2012|language=lt}}

Another attempt to revitalize the stadium was started in February 2016 by the newly elected Kaunas City Municipality which adopted a plan to revamp major sport infrastructure in Kaunas.{{cite web|title=Vasario 23-sios Kauno miesto savivaldybės tarybos posėdis|url=http://vieningaskaunas.lt/vasario-23-sios-kauno-miesto-savivaldybes-tarybos-posedis/|publisher=Vieningas Kaunas|access-date=7 September 2017|language=lt|date=23 February 2016}} Early proposals suggested that the seating capacity should be expanded to 12,500–20,000 roof-covered seats, under-soil heating installed, and stadium should reach Category 4 of UEFA stadium classification.{{cite news|last1=Garnienė|first1=Aušra|title=Merdinčiam S.Dariaus ir S.Girėno stadionui – gaivinimo planas|url=http://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/kaunas/miesto-pulsas/merdinciam-sdariaus-ir-sgireno-stadionui-gaivinimo-planas-740197|access-date=7 September 2017|work=Kauno diena|date=23 March 2016|language=lt}}{{cite news|title=Rekonstrukcijos laukiantis Kauno S.Dariaus ir S.Girėno stadionas turės šildomą dangą|url=https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/futbolas/rekonstrukcijos-laukiantis-kauno-s-dariaus-ir-s-gireno-stadionas-tures-sildoma-danga-24-764942|access-date=7 September 2017|work=15min.lt|date=7 March 2017|language=lt}}{{cite web |title=Kaunas stadium gets UEFA Category 4, ready to host top-level matches |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1881355/kaunas-stadium-gets-uefa-category-4-ready-to-host-top-level-matches |website=lrt.lt |access-date=24 February 2023 |date=3 February 2023}}

On 18 August 2017, the reconstruction project was officially presented to the public. After the reconstruction, the stadium will have seating capacity of 15,026 for sport events and up to 55,000 for concerts and other events.{{cite news|last1=Stažytė|first1=Karolina|title=Pristatytas S.Dariaus ir S.Girėno stadiono rekonstrukcijos projektas: kalbos baigėsi, prasideda darbai|url=https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/futbolas/pristatytas-s-dariaus-ir-s-gireno-stadiono-rekonstrukcijos-projektas-kalbos-baigesi-prasideda-darbai-24-841350|access-date=7 September 2017|work=15min.lt|date=18 August 2017|language=lt}} On 15 June 2018, Kayı Construction and Kaunas City Municipality signed the reconstruction contract. The stadium was re-opened with the 2022 Lithuanian Football Cup final on 16 October 2022.{{cite web |title=Kauno stadionas atidarytas švilpimu: LFF taurės finale kovoja "Žalgiris" ir "Hegelmann" |url=https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/futbolas/kauno-stadiono-atidarymas-lff-taures-finale-kovoja-zalgiris-ir-hegelmann-24-1946248 |website=15min.lt |access-date=16 October 2022 |language=lt-LT |date=16 October 2022}} The reconstruction cost 43 million euros.{{cite web |title=Kulminacija: Kaune atidarytas Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas |url=https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/kaunas/miesto-pulsas/kulminacija-kaune-atidaromas-dariaus-ir-gireno-stadionas-1099206 |website=Kauno diena |date=16 October 2022 |access-date=14 January 2023 |language=lt}} After reconstruction, the stadium had Desso GrassMaster surface and is completely covered with a roof over the stands.{{cite news|last1=Stažytė|first1=Karolina |title= Kauno stadiono rekonstrukcijos įdomybės: veja prilygs "Camp Nou" ar "Old Trafford"|url=https://www.15min.lt/verslas/naujiena/kvadratinis-metras/nekilnojamasis-turtas/daugiau-detaliu-apie-kauno-stadiono-rekonstrukcija-veja-prilygs-camp-nou-ar-old-trafford-vejai-973-987332 |access-date=15 June 2018 |work= 15min.lt |date= 15 June 2018|language=lt}}

In January 2025, new construction for the pitch surface bagan. During the first year of operation under Žalgiris Arena management, it was found out that that there was too much black soil and clay in the layers below it. This prevented the grass from taking root more firmly in depth and interfered with high-quality drainage - water stagnated on the surface. Also, the top layer of the coating became too soft, slippery and easily damaged. A new

"Mixto" hybrid grass "Lay&Play" technology surface was chosen to be used instead of Desso GrassMaster surface.{{cite news |title=Dariaus ir Girėno stadione prasidėjo pirmieji vejos pakeitimo darbai|url=https://www.stadionas.lt/en/naujienos/dariaus-ir-gireno-stadione-prasidejo-pirmieji-vejos-pakeitimo-darbai |access-date=15 January 2025 |work= stadionas.lt |date= 15 January 2025|language=lt}} On 12 March 2025, the new surface installation was finished. In accordance with UEFA recommendations, before the new pitch surface was installed, the automatic irrigation system was also upgraded to 24 nozzles.{{cite news |title=Dariaus ir Girėno stadione baigti vejos keitimo darbai|url=https://www.stadionas.lt/en/naujienos/dariaus-ir-gireno-stadione-baigti-vejos-keitimo-darbaii |access-date=12 March 2025 |work= stadionas.lt |date= 12 March 2025|language=lt}}

{{See also|Lithuanian Athletics Championships}}

Lithuanian Athletics Championships is the national Lithuanian championship in athletics, organized by the Athletic Federation of Lithuania. The first competition was held in 1921 at the location where Darius and Girėnas Stadium was built. It is the oldest sporting event in Lithuania.{{cite news |last1=Mikalkėnaitė |first1=Lina |title=Prieš 100 metų: pirmasis Lietuvos lengvosios atletikos čempionatas |url=https://virtualus.kaunomuziejus.lt/istorijos/pirmasis-lietuvos-lengvosios-atletikos-cempionatas/ |access-date=17 February 2025 |work=Kauno miesto muziejus |date=30 July 2021 |language=lt}} The competition was held in Kaunas a total of 36 times. The 89th 2014 Lithuanian Athletics Championships was the last time competition was held in Kaunas.

{{See also|2005 European Athletics Junior Championships}}

The 2005 European Athletics Junior Championships was the 18th edition of the biennial athletics competition for European under-20 athletes, which was held in Kaunas, Lithuania on 21–24 July.

{{See also|2009 European Athletics U23 Championships}}

The 7th European Athletics U23 Championships were held between 16 and 19 July 2009 in the S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas, Lithuania.

{{See also|2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship}}

The 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship was the 12th edition of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, since its reclassification from an under-18 tournament in 2002, and the 62nd since the tournament was created in 1948. It was hosted in Lithuania from 20 July to 1 August 2013, in three cities.

{{See also|Lithuanian national football team}}

The following is a list of Lithuanian national football team matches since 2022.

{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFFF|Fixture|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{Football box collapsible|format=1

|round = 2022 Baltic Cup

|date = 16 November 2022

|time = {{UTZ|16:00|2}}

|team1 = Lithuania {{flagdeco|LTU}}

|score = 0–0

|report = https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/friendlies/match/2036266--lithuania-vs-iceland/

|team2 = {{fb|ISL}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|penalties1 =

• Girdvainis {{pengoal}}
• Gineitis {{pengoal}}
• Novikovas {{pengoal}}
• Golubickas {{pengoal}}
• Baravykas {{pengoal}}
• Žebrauskas {{penmiss}}

|penaltyscore = 5–6

|penalties2 =

• {{pengoal}} Guðjohnsen
• {{pengoal}} Þórðarson
• {{pengoal}} Sigurdsson
• {{pengoal}} Anderson
• {{pengoal}} Ingason
• {{pengoal}} Thrándarson

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|attendance =

|referee = Andris Treimanis (Latvia)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible|format=1

|round = UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying

|date = 17 June 2023

|time = {{UTZ|16:00|+3}}

|team1 = Lithuania {{flagdeco|LTU}}

|score = 1–1

|team2 = {{fb|BUL}}

|report = https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2036349/

|goals1 =

• Girdvainis {{goal|15}}

|goals2 =

• Petkov {{goal|27}}

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|attendance = 14,230

|referee = Jakob Alexander Sundberg (Denmark)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible|format=1

|round = UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying

|date = 7 September 2023

|time = {{UTZ|19:00|+3}}

|team1 = Lithuania {{flagdeco|LTU}}

|score = 2–2

|team2 = {{fb|MNE}}

|report = https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2036395/

|goals1 =

• Paulauskas {{goal|71}}
• Černych {{goal|90 +4}}

|goals2 =

• Krstović {{goal|78}}
• Savić {{goal|89}}

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|attendance = 11,328

|referee = Mohammed Al-Hakim (Sweden)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible|format=1

|round = UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying

|date = 10 September 2023

|time = {{UTZ|21:45|+3}}

|team1 = Lithuania {{flagdeco|LTU}}

|score = 1–3

|team2 = {{fb|SRB}}

|report = https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2036418/

|goals1 =

• Paulauskas {{goal|45}}

|goals2 =

• A. Mitrović {{goal|21||32||43}}

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|attendance = 8,586

|referee = Sascha Stegemann (Germany)

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible|format=1

|round = UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying

|date = 17 October 2023

|time = {{UTZ|21:45|+3}}

|team1 = Lithuania {{flagdeco|LTU}}

|score = 2–2

|team2 = {{fb|HUN}}

|report = https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2036464/

|goals1 =

• Černych {{goal|20}}
• Širvys {{goal|36}}

|goals2 =

• Szoboszlai {{goal|67|pen.}}
• Varga {{goal|82}}

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|attendance = 5,349

|referee = Juxhin Xhaja (Albania)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|format = 1

|round = Nations League play-out

|date = 26 March 2024

|time = 19:00 UTC+2

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LTU}}

|score = 1–0

|aggregatescore = 2–0

|team2 = {{fb|GIB}}

|report = https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2037953/

|goals1 =

• Černych {{goal|51}}

|goals2 =

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|attendance = 6,102

|referee = Duje Strukan (Croatia)

|result = W

|note = Lithuania won 2–0 on aggregate and remained in League C, while Gibraltar were relegated to League D.

}}

{{footballbox collapsible

|format = 1

|round = 2024 Baltic Cup

|date = 11 June 2024

|time = 19:00 UTC+3

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LTU}}

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.sofascore.com/lithuania-estonia/jVbsBVb#id:12409757

|team2 = {{fb|EST}}

|goals1 = Matulevicius {{goal|84}}

|goals2 = Lepik {{goal|82}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|attendance =

|referee = Andris Treimanis (Latvia)

|result = D

|penaltyscore = 3–4

|penalties1 =

• Lasickas {{Penmiss}}
• Černych {{Penmiss}}
• Tutyškinas {{Pengoal}}
• Novikovas {{Pengoal}}
• Klimavičius {{Pengoal}}

| penalties2 =

• {{Pengoal}} Mets
• {{Pengoal}} Lepik
• {{Pengoal}} Palumets
• {{Penmiss}} Sorga
• {{Pengoal}} Vetkal

}}

{{football box collapsible

|format = 1

|date = 12 October 2024

|time = 16:00

|round = 2024–25 Nations League

|score = 1–2

|report = https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2040112/

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LTU}}

|goals1 =

• Golubickas {{goal|84}}

|team2 = {{fb|KOS}}

|goals2 =

• Zhegrova {{goal|20}}
• E. Krasniqi {{goal|65}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|attendance = 7,554

|referee = Ondřej Berka (Czech Republic)

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|format = 1

|date = 15 October 2024

|time = 21:45

|round = 2024–25 Nations League

|score = 1–2

|report = https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2040138/

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LTU}}

|goals1 =

• Kučys {{goal|7|pen.}}

|team2 = {{fb|ROU}}

|goals2 =

• R. Marin {{goal|18|pen.}}
• Drăguș {{goal|65}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|attendance = 2,585

|referee = Nick Walsh (Scotland)

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|date = 24 March 2025

|time = 21:45

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LTU}}

|score =2-2

|report = https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2044177/

|team2 = {{fb|FIN}}

|goals1 =Kučys {{goal|39}}

Gineitis {{goal|69}}

|goals2 =Kairinen {{goal|3}}

Pohjanpalo {{goal|17}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|attendance = 10,421

|referee =Erik Lambrechts (Belgium)

|result =D

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|date = 4 September 2025

|time = 21:45

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LTU}}

|score =

|report = https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2044214/

|team2 = {{fb|MLT}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Darius and Girenas Stadium

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|attendance =

|referee =

|result =

}}

{{football box collapsible|format=1

|date = 7 September 2025

|time = 19:00

|round = 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

|team1 = {{fb-rt|LTU}}

|score =

|report = https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2044240/

|team2 = {{fb|NED}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Darius and Girenas Stadium

|location = Kaunas, Lithuania

|attendance =

|referee =

|result =

}}

{{See also|Lithuanian Football Cup}}

The Lithuanian Football Federation Cup (Lithuanian: Lietuvos futbolo federacijos taurė) is a Lithuanian football cup competition contested in a knockout tournament format. The winner of the cup gains entitlement to participate in the Lithuanian Supercup as well as the UEFA Europa Conference League.

{{footballbox

| stack = yes

| round =

| date = {{Start date|2022|10|16|df=y}}

| time = 17:30

| team1 = Žalgiris

| team2 = Hegelmann

| score = 2:1 {{aet}}

| report = [https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/10/16/lithuania/cup/fk-zalgiris-vilnius/hegelmann-litauen/3957437/ summary]
[https://lietuvosfutbolas.lt/rungtynes/zalgiris-hegelmann-12170020/ report]

| goals1 = Marko Milićković {{goal|76}}
Mario Pavelić {{goal|110}}

| goals2 = {{goal|90+4}} Samuel Odeyobo

| stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

| attendance = 13,589

| referee = Manfredas Lukjančukas

}}

{{football box

|date=1 October 2023

|time=15:30

|team1=TransINVEST

|score=2–1

|report=

|team2=Šiauliai

|goals1=Kawachi {{goal|54}}
Zingertas {{goal|80}}

|goals2=Jankauskas {{goal|41}}

|stadium=Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

|attendance=8,764

|referee=Donatas Rumšas

}}

{{football box

|date=29 September 2024

|time=15:00

|team1=Banga

|score=0–0

|aet=yes

|report=

|team2=Hegelmann

|goals1=

|goals2=

|penaltyscore = 4—1

|penalties1 = Januševskij {{pengoal}}
Ramanauskas {{pengoal}}
Vėževičius {{pengoal}}
Antužis {{pengoal}}

|penalties2 = {{penmiss}} Brisola
{{pengoal}} Figueredo
{{penmiss}} Armalas

|stadium=Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

|attendance=5,000

|referee=Orestas Abramavičius

}}

{{See also|UEFA Europa League}}

{{See also|UEFA Conference League}}

{{#invoke:Football box|main

|date = {{Start date|2023|7|13|df=y}}

|time = 19:00 {{small|(20:00 UTC+3)}}

|team1 = Hegelmann {{fbaicon|LTU}}

|score = 0–5

|team2 = {{fbaicon|MKD}} Shkupi

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Cephas {{goal|11||45+1||56||62}}
• Queven {{goal|23}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas{{refn|group=note|name=Hegelmann|Hegelmann played their home match at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas, instead of their regular stadium, the LFF Kaunas Training Centre in Kaunas, which did not meet UEFA requirements.}}

|attendance = 2,054{{UEFA match attendance|2038561|Hegelmann vs. Shkupi|date=13 July 2023|access-date=13 July 2023}}

|referee = Menelaos Antoniou (Cyprus)

|report = Report[https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/match/2038561/ "Hegelmann Litauen-Shkupi"]. UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Retrieved 13 July 2023

}}

{{#invoke:Football box|main

|date = {{Start date|2023|8|3|df=y}}

|time = 18:00 {{small|(19:00 UTC+3)}}

|team1 = FK Kauno Žalgiris {{fbaicon|LTU}}

|score = 1–2

|team2 = {{fbaicon|POL}} Lech Poznań

|goals1 =

• Uzėla {{goal|90+5}}

|goals2 =

• Marchwiński {{goal|14}}
• Ba Loua {{goal|90+2}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

|attendance = 5,180{{UEFA match attendance|2038696|Kauno Žalgiris vs. Lech Poznań|date=3 August 2023|access-date=3 August 2023}}

|referee = Mads-Kristoffer Kristoffersen (Denmark)

|report = Report[https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/match/2038696/ "Kauno Žalgiris-Lech"]. UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Retrieved 23 July 2023

}}

{{See also|2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship}}

The 2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship was the 21st edition (25th in U18 and U19) of the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship, the annual international youth football championship organised by UEFA for the women's under-19 national teams of Europe. Lithuania hosted the tournament.

{{Football box

|date = {{Start date|2024|7|14|df=y}}

|time = 16:00

|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|19|LTU}}

|score = 0–10

|team2 = {{fbwu|19|ENG}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Pritchard {{Goal|5||39||46}}
• Watson {{Goal|12}}
• Agyemang {{Goal|14||24||55}}
• Lia {{Goal|57}}
• Potter {{Goal|68}}
• Earl {{Goal|90+3}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

|attendance =

|referee = Emanuela Rusta (Albania)

|report = https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/match/2040623--lithuania-vs-england/

}}

{{Football box

|date = {{Start date|2024|7|17|df=y}}

|time = 17:00

|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|19|LTU}}

|score = 0–6

|team2 = {{fbwu|19|FRA}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Robillard {{Goal|19||30||40}}
• Coutel {{Goal|45}}
• Lushimba Bilombi {{Goal|64}}
• Ben Khaled {{Goal|90|pen.}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

|attendance =

|referee = Réka Molnár (Hungary)

|report = https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/match/2040627--lithuania-vs-france/

}}

{{Football box

|date = {{Start date|2024|7|20|df=y}}

|time = 17:00

|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|19|SRB}}

|score = 4–1

|team2 = {{fbwu|19|LTU}}

|goals1 =

• Matejić {{goal|4||33||90+7}}
• Babić {{goal|90+4}}

|goals2 =

• Jasaitytė {{goal|14}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

|attendance =

|referee = Anastasia Mylopoulou (Greece)

|report = https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/match/2040631--serbia-vs-lithuania/

}}

{{Football box

|date = {{Start date|2024|7|24|df=y}}

|time = 17:00

|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|19|NED}}

|score = 2–0

|team2 = {{fbwu|19|FRA}}

|goals1 =

• Woons {{Goal|19}}
• Tolhoek {{Goal|42}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

|attendance =

|referee = Emanuela Rusta (Albania)

|report = https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/match/2040636--netherlands-vs-france/

}}

{{Football box

|date = {{Start date|2024|7|27|df=y}}

|time = 17:00

|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|19|ESP}}

|score = 2–1

|aet = yes

|team2 = {{fbwu|19|NED}}

|goals1 =

• Marisa {{Goal|6}}
• Eguiguren {{Goal|118}}

|goals2 =

• Tolhoek {{Goal|59}}

|stadium = Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

|attendance =

|referee = Silvia Gasperotti (Italy)

|report = https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/match/2040637--spain-vs-netherlands/

}}

The grand opening show "Welcome Back!" (Lithuanian: „Sveiki sugrįžę!“) took place at the stadium's opening event on October 16, 2022 (during the Lithuanian Football Cup final). It was attended by the most famous Lithuanian music performers, such as Saulius Prūsaitis, Iglė, Jonas Nainys-Jovani, Marijonas Mikutavičius, Justinas Jarutis, Jessica Shy and others.{{cite web |title=Stadiono atidarymą Kaune vainikavo garsių atlikėjų šou: šventėje – ir žinomi svečiai |url=https://www.15min.lt/zmones/naujiena/lietuva/atidarytas-rekonstruotas-s-dariaus-ir-s-gireno-stadionas-renginyje-ir-garsus-sveciai-1050-1946336 |website=15min.lt |date=16 October 2022}} This performance is not considered a full concert and is therefore not presented. The opening match and the show were officially watched by attendance of 13,589 spectators.

In August 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran held two concerts at the stadium that attracted 81,119 spectators {{Cite web |date=2022-04-28 |title=Mathematics Tour (2022) |url=https://touringdata.wordpress.com/2022/04/28/ed-sheeran-mathematics-tour/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Touring Data |language=en}}, thus setting a record for ticket sales in the Baltic States {{Cite web |last=Hanley |first=James |date=2024-08-08 |title=Ed Sheeran draws over 81k fans to Lithuania |url=https://www.iq-mag.net/2024/08/ed-sheeran-draws-81k-fans-to-lithuania/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=IQ Magazine |language=en-GB}}, while the first date set record attendance of about 50,000 spectators.{{cite web |title=Stadium lawn falls victim to Ed Sheeran concerts in Kaunas |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2335459/stadium-lawn-falls-victim-to-ed-sheeran-concerts-in-kaunas |website=Lithuanian National Radio and Television |date=8 August 2024}}. During these concerts, the nearby Kaunas Sports Hall was also used as a technical area.

On May 17, 2024, Žalgiris Shop opened its doors at the stadium.{{Cite web |title=Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas |url=https://www.stadionas.lt/naujienos/dariaus-ir-gireno-stadione-atidaryta-nauja-zalgirio-atributikos-parduotuve |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.stadionas.lt}}

In June 2024, the stadium signed a cooperation agreement with Carlsberg Group, under which part of the VIP Lounge area and the nearby tennis courts were named after the sponsor. {{Cite web |title=Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas |url=https://www.stadionas.lt/naujienos/carlsberg-nealkoholinis-tapo-oficialiu-dariaus-ir-gireno-stadiono-partneriu |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=www.stadionas.lt}}

In August 2024, the HOLOS wellness studio opened its doors at the stadium.{{Cite web |title=Dariaus ir Girėno stadiono erdvės sparčiai pildosi: veiklą jau pradėjo pirmieji nuomininkai |url=https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/verslas/imoniu-pulsas/dariaus-ir-gireno-stadiono-erdves-sparciai-pildosi-veikla-jau-pradejo-pirmieji-nuomininkai-1176885 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=kauno.diena.lt |language=lt}}

In November 2024, the Fitnie Academy by Galinta sports club opened its doors at the stadium. {{Cite web |title=Naujienos - Fitnie Academy |url=https://www.fitnie.lt/news/113/44/Naujasis-musu-sporto-klubas-atvers-duris-jau-2024-m-lapkricio-8-d |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=www.fitnie.lt}}

In April 2025, the stadium signed an agreement with Cupra, under which part of the stadium's VIP Lounge area was named after the sponsor.{{Cite web |title=FK „Kauno Žalgiris“ ir „CUPRA“ pradeda veržlią partnerystę |url=https://zalgiris.lt/naujienos/fk-kauno-zalgiris-ir-cupra-pradeda-verzlia-partneryste#article |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Žalgiris |language=lt}}

The opening and consecration ceremonies of the first stadium in Lithuania took place on September 6–8, 1924. During the celebration, football, basketball, baseball tournaments, and athletics competitions were held.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-19 |title=Muziejaus trečiadienis. Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas – kaip jis keitėsi? |url=https://kaunaspilnas.lt/muziejaus-treciadienis-dariaus-ir-gireno-stadionas-kaip-jis-keitesi/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Kaunas Pilnas Kultūros |language=lt-LT}}

One of the largest events held at the stadium during the interwar years was the first National Olympics, held on July 17–31, 1938 – a worldwide Lithuanian sports festival and gathering. About 10,000 people attended the opening ceremonies, and 2,000 athletes from all over the world gathered. President Antanas Smetona presented the athletes with the Olympic flag, and a thousand doves were released into the sky.{{Cite web |title=Lietuvos tautinė olimpiada |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-tautine-olimpiada/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.vle.lt |language=lt}}

During his sports career, former President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus competed in athletics at the stadium. {{Cite web |title=V. Adamkus išpildė seną troškimą: jaunystės rekordus prisiminė viešėdamas Kauno stadione |url=https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/kaunas/miesto-pulsas/valdas-adamkus-ispilde-sena-troskima-jaunystes-rekordus-prisimine-viesedamas-kauno-stadione-1173794 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=kauno.diena.lt |language=lt}}

On September 15, 1990, German singer Dieter Bohlen and the band Blue Systems performed at the stadium.{{Cite web |title=Blue System Setlist at Kaunas Stage, Kaunas |url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/blue-system/1990/kaunas-stage-kaunas-lithuania-3b51b400.html |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=setlist.fm |language=en}}

On September 6, 1993, Pope John Paul II held a meeting with young people at the stadium during his

visit to Lithuania. The event was attended by 30,000 spectators.{{Cite web |title=Jono Pauliaus II vizitas Lietuvoje: kur lankėsi popiežius? |url=https://www.15min.lt/media-pasakojimai/popieziaus-vizitas-lietuvoje-jonas-paulius-380 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=15min.lt}}

On August 2, 2000, the FBK Kaunas team, which made its debut in the European football club tournament – the UEFA Champions League – played a match at the stadium against the Glasgow Rangers.{{Cite web |last=UEFA.com |title=History: Kaunas 0-0 Rangers: UEFA Champions League 2000/01 Qualif. 2 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/65553--kaunas-vs-rangers/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=UEFA.com |language=en}}

On September 7, 2002, the first match of the 2004 European Football Championship Group V qualifying match was played between the Lithuania and the world vice-champion Germany. During the break in the match, one of the most famous Lithuanian football players, Valdas Ivanauskas, was escorted from the big football.{{Cite web |title=Germany 2-0 Lithuania (7 Sep, 2002) Final Score - ESPN (IN) |url=https://www.espn.in/football/match/_/gameId/60621/germany-lithuania |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=ESPN |language=en}}

On July 26, 2005, the stadium hosted a match between one of the most successful football teams in Europe, the 2004–2005 UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool FC and FBK Kaunas.{{Cite web |title="FBK Kaunas" 1:3 nusileido "FC Liverpool" klubui |url=https://www.delfi.lt/sportas/futbolas/fbk-kaunas-13-nusileido-fc-liverpool-klubui-7165112 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Delfi sportas |language=lt}}

On March 24, 2007, the 2008 European Football Championship qualifying match was played between Lithuania and the world vice-champion France. The match was broadcast live by Eurosport and about 30 television channels in various countries.{{Cite web |last=UEFA.com |title=History: Lithuania 0-1 France {{!}} UEFA EURO 2008 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/83977--lithuania-vs-france/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=UEFA.com |language=en}}

On July 6, 2007, a general song festival “Būties ratu" was held at the stadium. The festive program was attended by national youth, youth, young adults, girls, youth, seniors and elderly folk dance groups, as well as adult folk dance groups from abroad.{{Cite web |title=Lietuvos dainų šventė BŪTIES RATU 2007 - Šokių dienos programa |url=https://dainusvente.lnkc.lt/go.php/lit/Sokiu-dienos-programa/7136 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=dainusvente.lnkc.lt}}

On August 5, 2008, FBK Kaunas achieved a historic victory: in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, they eliminated the elite Scottish club Glasgow Rangers (0:0 away, 2:1 at home) and advanced to the third qualifying round.{{Cite web |title=„Kaunas“ sensacingai nugalėjo „Rangers“ 2:1 ir žengė į trečiąjį etapą |url=https://www.delfi.lt/sportas/futbolas/kaunas-sensacingai-nugalejo-rangers-21-ir-zenge-i-treciaji-etapa-17960264 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Delfi sportas |language=lt}}

On March 29, 2011, the 2012 European Football Championship qualifying tournament Group I match was held between the Lithuania and Spain.{{Cite web |last=UEFA.com |title=History: Lithuania 1-3 Spain {{!}} UEFA EURO 2012 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2002208--lithuania-vs-spain/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=UEFA.com |language=en}}

On September 30, 2023, the Lithuanian and FIFA Football Legends match was held. Dida, Julio Cesar, Michel Salgado, Roque Junior, Levan Kobiashvili, Fabio Cannavaro, Carles Puyol, Youri Djorkaeff, Ricardo Quaresma, Aldair, Houssine Kharja, David Trezeguet, Esteban Cambiasso, Nuno Gomes, Christian Karembeu, Antonio Valencia, Serginho, Vincent Candela took part in the competition. FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched the match at the stadium.{{Cite web |title=Kaune lijo garsenybių įvarčiais: Lietuvos futbolo legendos atsilaikė prieš FIFA žvaigždyną |url=https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/futbolas/kaune-garsenybiu-ivarciai-lietuvos-futbolo-legendos-atsilaike-pries-fifa-zvaigzdyna-24-2119868 |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=15min.lt/sportas |language=lt}}

On October 6, 2023, the band Sel released a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUs6IYXDkv8&list=RDWUs6IYXDkv8&start_radio=1 video clip for the song Aš pakelsiu], which was filmed during a concert at the stadium.

On July 26, 2024, Lithuanian artist Martynas Kavaliauskas [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9fXcDia04g&list=RDo9fXcDia04g&start_radio=1 released a video clip] for the song "Karaliai", part of which was filmed at the stadium.

More than 100 heavy trucks delivered the equipment needed for E. Sheeran's concerts in August 2024. This is a record amount in the history of Kaunas events.{{Cite web |title=Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas |url=https://www.stadionas.lt/naujienos/dariaus-ir-gireno-stadione-prauze-du-edo-sheerano-koncertai-kokie-ispudingi-skaiciai-slypi-uz-ju |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.stadionas.lt}}

On September 27, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doGzjheI604 released a live performance video for the song The A Team], filmed during concerts in Kaunas.

On September 27, 2024, Lithuanian singer Jessica Shy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaGQh9Q2mQs released a live performance video of the song Tarp geltonų rūtų], filmed during concerts in Kaunas.

On October 4, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fezKpDFKf5U released a live performance video for the song Perfect], filmed during concert in Kaunas.

On October 18, 2024, Lithuanian singer Jessica Shy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Ib8QUZ8EU released her second live performance video] (song Nepyk ant manęs), filmed during concert in Kaunas.

In October 2024, the Darius and Girenas Stadium celebrated its 100th anniversary.{{Cite web |title=Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas |url=https://www.stadionas.lt/naujienos/dariaus-ir-gireno-stadionas-svencia-100-meti-lff-pagerbta-uz-indeli-i-lietuvos-futbola |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.stadionas.lt}}

From November 22, 2024 to February 17, 2025, a winter camp was held at the stadium, during which a skating rink was installed at the stadium.{{Cite web |title=Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas |url=https://www.stadionas.lt/naujienos/dariaus-ir-gireno-stadione-isikurs-ziemos-miestelis-su-ledo-ciuozykla |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=www.stadionas.lt}}

On November 28, 2024, the Lithuanian band Žemaitukai (together with the band Niekšės) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDAZZAVEx7w released a video clip] for the song "Šiandien aš švenčiu", part of which was filmed at the stadium.

On December 27, 2024, British singer Ed Sheeran [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcFt7Yy6cBg released a live performance video for the song Bad Habits], filmed during concerts in Kaunas.

On April 12, 2025, the A Lyga match between FK Kauno Žalgiris and FK Sūduva broke the league's twenty-year attendance record and became the most attended A League match in Kaunas. The match was watched by 6,575 spectators.{{Cite web |last=LRT.lt |date=2025-04-12 |title=Rekordinėse A lygos rungtynėse – „Kauno Žalgirio“ ir „Sūduvos“ lygiosios |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/sportas/10/2535441/rekordinese-a-lygos-rungtynese-kauno-zalgirio-ir-suduvos-lygiosios?srsltid=AfmBOoo9B2QwqgQ2A1oS-fCC6z_hS-WmobnRYwv18Flo0KQKmS1eeenA |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=lrt.lt |language=lt}}

• List of football stadiums in Lithuania
• Lithuania National Stadium
• Žalgiris Arena

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.stadionas.lt/ Official site]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHZNL6Ww2jM&ab_channel=LietuvosFutbolas Stadium Opening Announcement Press Conference]

{{portal bar|Lithuania|sports}}

{{Lithuania national football team}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Darius and Girenas Stadium}}

Category:Sport in Kaunas

Category:Football venues in Lithuania

Lithuania

Category:Buildings and structures in Kaunas

Category:Athletics (track and field) venues in Lithuania

Category:Multi-purpose stadiums in Lithuania

Category:Sports venues completed in 1925

Category:1925 establishments in Lithuania