The Narva football dome, constructed at a cost of approximately €7,000,000, was commissioned at the end of 2024. However, less than a year after opening, it was shut down due to significant risks to the health and life of its users. The closure follows a technical expert evaluation which concluded that the membrane structure "does not comply with any current regulations, laws, contractual conditions, or technical requirements," and that its continued operation in its current state poses a severe risk.

Preliminary inspections were initiated by city authorities following an incident in December 2024. During a period of heavy snowfall and high winds, snow accumulation on the dome damaged the ductwork system, causing a drop in air pressure and structural sagging. This event prompted a comprehensive audit of the facility.

Experts involved in the technical assessment identified critical, systemic violations committed during both the design and construction phases. Consequently, local repairs have been ruled out—the entire membrane structure must be dismantled and rebuilt from scratch. The cost for replacing the structure alone is estimated between €2 million and €4 million (excluding VAT).

The facility was officially closed on November 21, 2025, following audit recommendations that cited it as unsafe during snowfall, as the dome fails to shed precipitation, leading to excessive structural loads. Additionally, it was noted that heating costs were approximately double the initial estimates, further complicating the facility's technical and financial viability.

Mayor Katri Raik stated that the audit materials have been forwarded to the Estonian Football Association for further analysis. While options for partial reopening with limited access for the JK Narva Trans team were discussed, ongoing structural stability issues prevented any full-scale operation.

A temporary solution for the professional team was only partially achieved: in January 2026, the club received permission for restricted use during calm weather. However, consistent winter training in a protected environment remains impossible.

Without a functional indoor hall, the team is effectively left without a proper winter base. The nearest comparable facility is over 100 km away, drastically hindering pre-season preparations. In contrast, football clubs in other Estonian cities have access to permanent indoor arenas or train in large sports centers, leaving the Narva project effectively non-functional.

Infrastructure challenges for football halls are not unique to Narva; for instance, a new indoor facility is planned for Tallinn with a budget of approximately €3.1 million, supported by the Estonian Football Association, aiming for completion by 2027.

The situation in Narva highlights the complexity of implementing expensive sports projects without strict quality control and technical compliance. It also underscores the immense financial burden placed on municipal budgets when such facilities require demolition and reconstruction.