Varėnos sporto centras

The pitch itself looks well-maintained, though the exact type of grass is difficult to distinguish from this distance; it is certainly not astroturf. In the distance, behind the goal, you can see a tall, thin floodlight mast standing against the sky.

To the left, there is a brick building with a red roof, which looks like a school or an administrative block. It has many windows and sits next to a fenced-off area with basketball hoops. The whole complex feels quiet, like a community hub rather than a professional arena.

The stadium was originally built a long time ago, in 1971, but it has seen better days. A significant renovation in 2014 added the running track and updated the facilities, while the main sports centre building opened in 2017. It is known by several names over the years, from "Varėnos vaikų ir jaunių sporto mokykla" to "Varėnos sporto mokykla," reflecting its role in youth development.

FK Merkys Varėna plays here, but you will not find a massive crowd filling the stands. There is no official capacity figure available, and the seating is minimal. It is a place where local clubs train and play, surrounded by pine trees and residential blocks. The air here is clean, and the light reflects off the water in the swimming pool nearby. It is not a glamorous venue, but it serves a clear purpose for the town of Varėna.