Black Sea Arena, the concert venue in Shekvetili, has received government approval to carry out a simplified procurement worth GEL 2.66 million to restore its damaged metal roof structure. The State Procurement Agency granted the initial approval, which was subsequently confirmed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
According to the procurement justification, the venue has been unable to operate for two consecutive seasons because of roof damage, preventing it from hosting concerts and cultural events. Given the technical complexity and condition of the existing structure, the restoration will follow a Design-Build model, combining design and construction under a single contract.
The project is scheduled to run from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027, with a maximum duration of 12 months. Officials cite weather conditions in Ozurgeti Municipality as a key factor, warning that delays could further postpone the venue’s reopening. The National Bureau of Forensic Expertise began examining the movable metal roof in June, at a cost of GEL 69,375.
Black Sea Arena was officially opened in 2016 with a concert by Christina Aguilera, following construction initiated in 2008 with an investment exceeding $115 million from the Cartu Foundation. After years of losses, the company recorded a net profit of GEL 8.3 million in 2023. At the end of 2024, the state-owned company Starring Georgia, headed by Tamar Chkhaidze, took over management of Black Sea Arena and Tbilisi's Philharmonic Hall.
