Analytics, Latvia, Tourism

As Rubisko informed LETA, the principal remaining tasks before putting the venue into operation in mid-June 2008, are: to build the audience seating, to complete territory improvement works and to renovate the lighting network in the large avenue.

As leader of the 2008 Latvian Song and Dance Festival's organizing committee, Romans Vanags explained, also the parking lots issue still has to be dealt with.

Once the reconstruction works are completed, Mezaparks open-air venue will have room for 20,000 spectators and 9,000 choir singers. Audience seats will be removable, thus, for large concerts it will be possible to create additional parking space.

In the reconstruction process so far, the facility's impressive edifice has been renovated, the stage's durability has been improved, the bulkhead of the stage has been changed, new acoustic panels have been set up in the wings and a new orchestra pit built.

Also several territorial improvement works have been accomplished – new fencing with new gates built, a parking lot has been constructed for the technical, special and VIP transport, bus parking space has been built, access roads repaired, better lighting secured, etc.

The contracting authority of the reconstruction works, is Riga City Council's City Development Department, the contractor: company PBLC. Total costs of the reconstruction project are LVL 9,000,000. The costs are covered jointly by Riga City Council and Ministry of Culture. Mezaparks Grand Stage was first built in 1955.

All the construction works have to be completed by June 17.