Russian soccer stadiums for the World Cup 2018, the promised land of architects

10 billion dollars ! This is the sum Russia invested to build the stadiums and infrastructures to meet the needs of the 2018 Soccer World Cup. A considerable, yet indispensable expense, in keeping with the requests of the FIFA, the international organization that sets the rules for this spotlight event taking place from the 14th of June to the 15th of July 2018.

Futuristic stadiums of the Soccer World Cup

And to ensure the success of this world sports event, taking place for the first time in Eastern Europe, 12 brand new sports venues will be put to contribution. The cities of Saint-Pétersbourg, Moscou, Kaliningrad, Iekaterinbourg, Kazan, Mordovia, Ninji Novgorod, Samara, Rostov-sur-le-Don, Saransk, Volvograd and Sotchi will be equipped with futuristic stadiums enhanced with ultramodern equipments.

Restructured by the ABD Architectural cabinet, the Arena of Ekaterinbourg is extended with exterior grandstands. © DR

The American agency Populous was entrusted with the stadium of Rostov-sur-le-Don, the most Southern city in Russia. © DR

Built by the architects who erected Wembley and Arsenal, the stadium of Kazan looks like a waterlily along a river. © DR

Futuristic monuments dedicated to sport

With a capacity between 35 000 to 80 000 places, this cement monster, in glass and steel is a real technological feat. Reversible air-conditioning, retractable roofs, organic grass, skating rink, modulable and convertible grounds, all the state-of-the-art amenities will enable the selected teams to play in excellent conditions and spectators will live the emotion of matches with all the modern comforts possible.

A dome of ice that is illuminated at night, the stadium of Samara, designed by the German firm GMP Architekten, is located on the Volga. © DR

After the last match, the size of the Mordovia stadium, created by the Hamburg architect Tim Hupe, will be reduced by half. © DR