Earlier Russia hosted the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics – and as 2018 FIFA World Cup looms ahead there comes an increasing demand for advanced sport facilities countrywide.
While the ongoing Confederation Cup tests readiness of the local infrastructure to host events of a global calibre, it likewise puts major stadiums in the spotlight, including one of the most renowned one – VTB Arena – Central Dynamo Stadium named after Lev Yashin, the country’s most renowned soccer player.
It was closed back in 2008 when all major structural elements were in decline, which made it unsafe to host events. Almost a decade later it is now fully renovated and redesigned into safe and comfortable for the guests from all over the world.
VTB Arena – Central Stadium Dynamo will unite under one roof two objects: soccer and multifunctional arenas, as well as the museum. The total capacity will be about 26 000 seats with the number in the universal arena varying from 4000 to 15000, depending on the setting.
Dynamo is designated to turn into a stage for all the major sporting events, musical and ice shows or box matches, with an option to hold both hockey and basketball matches. Engineers claim that a switch from an ice-covered to a basketball court will take no longer than 6-8 hours.
The arena likewise secures an ability to tilt platforms, which allows spectators to maximize viewing angle and makes the switching process faster. This was introduced as basketball fans used to have quite a limited view in comparison with hockey due to the gap between hoop and net.
Smartphones are considered too. A special app developed for those who don’t want to waste time trying to find tickets or standing in queues. This app will not only allow checking the view from the seat right before buying a ticket but also to trade it in case not able to make it.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country’s stadiums are yet to pass quality standarts for the World Cup with lots of questions raised in regards to insane levels of corruption, Dynamo seems to be setting the bar high.