RSU unveils new centre for sport, study and research

Photo: Courtesy of RSU

On 9 September, the new RSU Sports Centre at 3 Cigoriņu iela, Riga, was officially opened. The centre, which is worth almost EUR 13.4 million and covers an area of 3,627 m², brings together study, sport and research under one roof, providing a modern environment for RSU students – including students of the RSU Academy of Sport – as well as the university’s sports teams, researchers and staff. 

The new centre is one of the most significant RSU infrastructure development projects of recent years and a strategic investment by the university in students and their study environment. The first plans for the construction of a new sports hall were drawn up as early as 2016. The initial plan was to build it on Konsula Street. In 2019, a study and consultation process began regarding the site of the existing RSU sports facilities. Over the course of ten years, the project has developed step by step into a modern sports, study and research centre. 

‘This is an investment in our students – their education, health, athletic development and opportunities to achieve more. Already back in 2016, under the leadership of Rector Prof. Jānis Gardovskis, we drew up the first sketches and plans for the upcoming RSU sports hall, and today we see the results of these plans. 

The journey to this point has been a long one; however, we have kept the promise we made to our students – to create a modern environment where study, sport and research meet under one roof. Now this environment is a reality,’ emphasises RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons. 

The Rector pointed out that the new centre is the next significant step in the development of RSU sport studies and science. Since the integration of the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) into RSU on 1 July 2024, the university has been purposefully strengthening the capacity of sport education and research. At the same time, as of 1 September this year, it began operating under a new name – Rīga Stradiņš University Academy of Sport (RSU AS). The change of name highlights the further development of the academy, preserving the traditions of Latvian sport education while simultaneously developing modern sport education, research and training of sports sector professionals. 

The opening of the sports centre was attended by Hosam Abu Meri, Minister of Health, Andris Čuda, Advisor to the Minister of Education and Science, Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chair of Riga City Council, Prof. Aigars Pētersons, Rector of RSU, Kristiana Jurkevica, Chair of the Board of the RSU Student Union, and Rolands Orlovskis, Chair of the Board of SIA Selva Būve. 

Following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the new sports hall, a symbolic RSU ball was signed, and the first ceremonial shot was taken, marking the start of sporting life at the centre. Guests had the opportunity to take a tour of the new building and discover the facilities it has to offer. 

A home for RSU sport, study and research 

The new centre features a sports hall that meets international standards for basketball and volleyball, a gym featuring strength, cardio and functional workout areas, gymnastics rooms, specialised rooms for Pilates and yoga, as well as a multifunctional hall for various sports activities and group classes.

A significant part of the facility is dedicated to study and research. It houses a scientific research laboratory for measuring human body and physical parameters, physiotherapy rooms and a medical centre. The sports and gymnastics facilities will also enable a significant proportion of the RSU Academy of Sport's students to undertake their studies within the new building.

The new infrastructure will enable sports science to be linked even more closely with practice – utilising modern technologies in the study process, researching human physical capabilities, and developing science-based approaches to the training of athletes and the promotion of public health. 

A home for RSU sports teams 

The new centre is also a significant benefit for RSU’s sports teams, which will now be able to both train and play their home matches in one place. This will provide a modern environment for high-level training and the organisation of competitions, while strengthening the RSU sports community and students’ sense of belonging to the university.

The centre will be available not only to high-performance athletes. Its infrastructure is intended for broader RSU community, promoting physical activity among students and employees.

Particular attention has been paid to accessibility. The building will include a lift, accessible sanitary facilities, universal design solutions, as well as parking spaces for bicycles and electric personal mobility devices. 

A ten-year plan has become reality 

The active development of the sports centre on Cigoriņu Street began in 2020, when the first sketches and plans for the construction of a sports hall on this street were drawn up. In the years that followed, a study of the site and its development potential was carried out, project solutions were drawn up, and the necessary preparatory work was undertaken to commence construction.

The construction design was completed in April 2024, while construction began in December 2024. On 16 April 2025, a time capsule was ceremonially laid in the centre’s foundations. Now, ten years after the initial plans were drawn up, the project has been completed, providing RSU students and the sporting community with new infrastructure for decades to come.

The total planned cost of the sports facility is almost EUR 13.4 million, including VAT. Of this amount, EUR 0.5 million is co-financing from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility for the purchase of equipment in connection with the integration of the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) into RSU. The remaining costs are covered by RSU funds.