Ekranas returns: Panevėžys to host football legends match tomorrow

Tomorrow, on August 2nd, the city of Panevėžys will celebrate a major moment in Lithuanian football history as the legendary FK Ekranas makes a symbolic return to the Draugystės Stadium (relocated from Aukštaitija stadium). Marking exactly 20 years since the club’s 2005 Lithuanian championship title, the event will reunite former players, coaches, club staff, and loyal supporters for a day that honors both football and the city’s sporting heritage.

“This anniversary is more than just a memory—it’s a chance to bring back the red and blue spirit to the stadium where generations of athletes have grown up,” said longtime FK Ekranas captain Mantas Savėnas. “We want to meet everyone who was part of this story—whether you played, supported, or simply felt proud of the team.”

Founded in Panevėžys, FK Ekranas became a symbol of local identity, winning eight Lithuanian league titles (1985, 1993, 2005, 2008–2012) and five Lithuanian Cups. The club’s most recent golden era came in 2012, when it lifted its last championship trophy. In total, Ekranas played 40 matches in UEFA competitions, including qualifiers for the Champions League and Europa League.

The club was accused on match-fixing in 2004 and even expelled from the top tier, albeit only for a day. In 2015, Ekranas filed for bankruptcy and was dissolved following unsuccessful attempts to save it. The club was restored in 2020 and is now playing in the second tier, where they are currently co-bottom of the table with Šiauliai’s reserve squad.

Event programme

13:00 – 3v3 Family Football Tournament
Parents and children are invited to team up in a friendly 3-a-side tournament—a great opportunity to enjoy football together, share the excitement of competition, and show how the game connects generations. Pre-registration is required.

15:00 – FK Ekranas Legends Match
The day’s highlight will be a symbolic match featuring members of the title-winning squad from 20 years ago. Wearing the iconic red and blue jerseys once again, the club’s legendary players will return to the pitch, offering fans not only a sporting spectacle but also an emotional trip down memory lane.

FK Ekranas legends rosters

2005 Ekranas Squad
Coach: Virginijus Liubšys
Assistant: Albertas Klimavičius
Players:
Paulius Grybauskas, Giedrius Tomkevičius, Arūnas Klimavičius, Gediminas Paulauskas, Aurimas Kučys, Tadas Kauneckas, Lauras Januševičius, Laurynas Rimavičius, Mantas Savėnas, Mindaugas Gardžijauskas, Povilas Lukšys, Donatas Petrauskas, Dominykas Galkevičius, Andrius Arlauskas, Vitalijus Kavaliauskas, Egidijus Varnas

2008–2012 Ekranas Squad
Coach: Valdas Urbonas
Players:
Andrius Velička, Arsenij Buinickij, Deimantas Bička, Žilvinas Banys, Edgaras Baranauskas, Jevgenij Moroz, Tadas Markevičius, Ignas Dedura, Ramūnas Radavičius, Ervinas Kvitkauskas, Deividas Padaigis, Emilijus Zubas, Vytautas Černiauskas, Paulius Janušauskas, Taavi Rähn, Dainius Gleveckas, Valdas Trakys, Vytautas Lukša, Rytis Pilotas

Organisers invite residents, former club members, football lovers, and visitors to join this special celebration—a tribute to the people who built Panevėžys’ football legacy. This is more than a match; it’s a moment to honour the passion, effort, and community spirit that once made Panevėžys the football capital of Lithuania.

Admission is free of charge.