Tbilisi Old Hippodrome

Where is the “Old Hippodrome” Located?

The Old Hippodrome, also called “Delisi Hippodrome,” is located in the Saburtalo district, along Tamarashvili Street. It covers around 36 hectares, with a thick forest where various plants grow covering about 8 of those. Historical sources attest that the hippodrome was initially even larger, spanning 57 hectares and bordered by the Vera Valley. It is thought to have once seated up to 10,000 spectators.

Courtesy of its location, the land is considered particularly valuable — this part of Tbilisi is one of the most densely populated central neighborhoods. Today, the Old Hippodrome is surrounded by multi-story residential buildings. It is one of the last plots in the area suitable for large-scale greening, essentially acting as a sort of lung for the district.

Unfortunately, the hippodrome area has been neglected for years. Some of its old architectural elements remain like the remnants of the spectator tribune and the gravel running track once used for horse training. However, the park infrastructure in its current form has long failed to meet safety standards.

Tbilisi Hippodrome - History and Future Plans

For years, this location served not only as a gathering spot for equestrian enthusiasts but also as a beloved recreational space for the entire neighborhood. Since the Middle Ages, Tbilisi has had several hippodromes, with the main one located in Garetubani on the right bank of the Mtkvari River. In the 1840s, the Didube Hippodrome opened, serving as the main hub for horse riders for over a century, until the opening of the Delisi Hippodrome in 1959.

This location was chosen due to its natural amphitheater-like terrain, making it easier to install the necessary infrastructure (racing tracks, arenas, etc.), allowing thousands of spectators to watch events. Yuri Kasradze was the main architect responsible for the Delisi Hippodrome project.

The hippodrome went on to play a significant role in Georgia’s sporting and social life. Over the years, it hosted multiple important sports competitions, as well as public events and festivals. 

From the 1960s to the 1990s, several institutions operated side by side here, including "Georgian Horse" responsible for horse breeding, the equestrian therapy center "Mustang," and a horse rental service. In 1995, the area was privatized and became the property of Jockey Club Inc. Although the 1990s was a turbulent period for the country, the hippodrome continued to serve its main purpose under Jockey Club’s management. The company had its own horse-breeding facility and acquiring a hippodrome helped with its selection processes. In 1998, the Georgian national equestrian team was established here.

The fate of the Delisi Hippodrome area changed dramatically in the mid-2000s. In the early part of the decade, significant portions of it were privatized by various companies and individuals, while other parts were sacrificed to build new roads in a rapidly developing neighborhood. In 2007, the so-called “New Hippodrome” opened near Lisi Lake, and heavy construction started around the Old Hippodrome, significantly reducing the forest cover. By 2009, most of the concrete stands had been removed, as their fragility posed a public danger.

The 2010s were particularly turbulent for this space. Residents actively opposed development companies as they sought to preserve one of the last green spaces in the district. Negotiations dragged on for years, even with active government involvement, and some segments are still under discussion, while construction has begun on others despite residents’ resistance.

Such opposition was not in vain as the main area has retained its traditional recreational function. In 2020, the “Cartu Fund” purchased a large part of the hippodrome space from private owners and donated it to the city. This decision allowed it to begin its transformation into a public space once again. The project, valued at several tens of millions of GEL, has already been developed.

The main goal of the new project is to create a modern, multifunctional public space accessible to everyone. Special attention has been paid to ecological aspects, with energy-efficient lighting systems, rainwater collection and reuse systems, and solar panel installations all in the plans.

From Tbilisi Hippodrome to Central Park 

The Dutch company LAP Landscape & Urban Design developed the new project. The area will become a modern park divided into 26 distinct zones, each with a unique design and functionality.

Among these will be a Japanese garden with elements of traditional Japanese landscape architecture, including miniature bridges and decorative streams. There will also be a French garden, where geometric shapes and symmetrical principles will dominate. The botanical garden will feature a collection of both native and exotic plants, and serve educational purposes. There are also plans afoot to build an artificial lake.

In addition to the green zones, the park will have entertainment and sports facilities, including multipurpose courts where visitors can play football, basketball, or other activities. There will also be a skate park, built to meet contemporary standards, where extreme sports enthusiasts can skate, cycle, and rollerblade.

The new design also includes an amphitheater to host various cultural events, concerts, and performances in an open-air setting.

How to Get to Delisi Hippodrome

Tbilisi Hippodrome is located in one of the city’s central districts and is easily accessible from almost every part of it.

Arguably, the simplest way to get there is by metro. The nearest metro station is "Delisi." It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the current Central Park from Delisi station. After exiting the metro, head downhill along Tamarashvili Street.

By bus, Tamarashvili Street is the main route connecting the Vake and Saburtalo districts, so a lot of transport moves along it. Buses 301, 311, 334, 358, 363, 383, 385, and 388 stop near the hippodrome. If traveling from Vake toward Saburtalo, you can get off right at the entrance. If coming from the Saburtalo side, you'll need to cross the street after stepping off the bus.