Viktor Orbán Opens New Mega Sport Park in Budapest

Hungary officially opened the new MTK Sport Park on Sunday, a 9.5-hectare facility on Kerepesi Road that aims to be much more than just a 21st-century sports complex. Government and club officials hailed the project as a landmark development in sports, urban planning, and cultural investment.

At the opening ceremony, Gergely Gulyás, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, praised the facility as not only a top-tier athletic center but also a significant step in Budapest’s urban renewal.

This sport park is a model of modern infrastructure — a sports investment, a cultural investment, and an architectural achievement all in one,”

said Minister Gulyás.

The newly completed site features a 5,000-seat arena spanning over 11,000 square meters, a 3,800-square-meter training hall, and nearly 34,000 square meters of green space. A large solar panel park supports the complex’s energy needs, while geothermal heating drawn from 1,350 meters underground ensures sustainability and low operational costs.

Minister Gulyás referenced a 1928 statement from the then Ministry of Public Welfare, describing sport as a national duty — a sentiment the current government still upholds. He emphasized that sport remains a strategic priority, justifying the 29 billion forint (approx. 75 million euro) state investment in the project.

MTK’s 137-year history has contributed unmatched achievements to the nation, and this investment reflects that legacy,”

he said.

Ádám Schmidt, State Secretary for Sports at the Ministry of Defense, reflected on MTK’s (Hungarian Circle of Physical Practitioners multi-sports club) tumultuous history, quoting Olympic fencing champion and former club athlete Pál Schmitt, who called MTK “perhaps the most storm-tested club in Hungarian sport.” “There were times when the club ceased to exist, and others when it struggled with identity. Yet it survived it all,” State Secretary Schmidt said.

Now, he added, MTK has entered a new era of stability and growth, supported by key infrastructure projects such as the New Nándor Hidegkuti Stadium, the Mihály Lantos Sports Center, and the Károly Sándor Football Academy.

This park is a place where children can come joyfully, and parents can send them with peace of mind,”

he added.

MTK President Tamás Deutsch emphasized that the park primarily serves MTK athletes, including volleyball, handball, basketball, fencing, rhythmic gymnastics, bridge, and chess professionals — all of whom now have a world-class facility to call home. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was also in attendance at inauguration of the facility, showcasing his support for Hungarian sports.

Yet the park is open to the broader public during operating hours, welcoming locals and amateur athletes alike. President Deutsch also noted the space’s capacity to host Jewish cultural events, reflecting MTK’s historic roots. “This facility is not just for sports; it is for community, culture, and connection,” he said.

Representing the athletes, Fanni Pigniczki — world championship bronze and European silver medalist in rhythmic gymnastics — expressed her gratitude for the improved training environment.

This complex fulfills a long-held dream. It will elevate our training and help us build stronger bonds across disciplines — even friendships that last a lifetime,”

The MTK Sport Park is not only a symbol of modern sports infrastructure but also of green innovation. With a mix of renewable energy sources and expansive green areas, it aligns with both environmental and urban development goals.

As Hungary continues to invest in sports as a vehicle for health, culture, and international recognition, the MTK Sport Park is set to become a flagship for how history, performance, and sustainability can intersect.

Via MTI; Featured image: MTI/Kovács Attila

The post Viktor Orbán Opens New Mega Sport Park in Budapest appeared first on Hungary Today.

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