History and description

The Ekaterinburg Arena, then still called Central Stadium, was built between 1953 and 1957. It was initially a multi-sports arena, also hosting athletics and ice skating events. Central Stadium, with a seating capacity of 27,000, remained largely unchanged in the next decades until plans were made in the mid 2000s to extensively redevelop it. Works started in 2007 and were completed in 2011. The make-over involved an extensive renovation of the stadium, keeping the athletics track and retaining the same seating capacity.

At roughly the same time, Russia was awarded the 2018 World Cup, and Yekaterinburg was shortlisted as one of the host cities for the tournament, which was confirmed in 2012.

The Central Stadium underwent renovation recently and although it met FIFA standards, new redevelopment plans had to be made as the protected external facade would need to be preserved but otherwise the entire interior needed to get rebuilt. This would boost capacity up to 45,000 seats.

Although it took a long time for the project to be given the go ahead, construction eventually kicked off in the spring of 2015. There were doubts cast even on Yekaterinburg's status as a host city, but ultimately the project was successful.

The Ekaterinburg Arena reopened on 1 April 2018 with a league match between FC Ural and Rubin Kazan. The venue only accommodates 20,000 people, so it is still not very full.

The Ekaterinburg Arena will host four first round group games during the 2018 World Cup. After the World Cup, its capacity will be reduced to 35,000 seats by removing the temporary seating behind both goals.

How to get to the Ekaterinburg Arena

The Ekaterinburg Arena is located in central Yekaterinburg. It is just east of the city centre. The walk from the 1905 Square takes about 20 minutes. The main train station in Yekaterinburg, located north of the city centre, is a little further from the Ekaterinburg Arena than the station located in the city centre. Tram 3, 5, 7, 21, 23, 27, and 32 all connect the main train station with Kommunarov Square. From there it's a short walk to the stadium.

Address: ul. Repina, Yekaterinburg, 620028

Eat, drink, and sleep near Ekaterinburg Arena

The Ekaterinburg Arena is located in a busy neighbourhood that is made up of residential and office buildings. There are a few local bars and restaurants around the stadium, but it is just outside the centre so choices are limited. The food outlets at the mall on Malysheva Street, a 5-minute walk from the stadium, will be useful if you need something quick. The city centre is less than a 30-minute walk away, but there are many modern bars and restaurants on Malysheva Street east of the river Iset. Most of these establishments are around the principle Malysheva Street and Lenin Avenue.

In addition, there are many apartment rentals near the Ekaterinburg Arena. Some of these rentals include the Non-Stop Residence, The Astoria, and the Palace.

However, if you're looking to stay close to Ekaterinburg's city centre as well, you may prefer the Double Tree Ekaterinburg, Emerald Hotel, or Hotel Olymp. These are all located at 15 minutes walking from the arena, but also nearby at short walking distances from the center.

The Ekaterinburg Arena is located near several hotels, allowing visitors to choose a hotel according to their needs. For an overview of hotels near the Ekaterinburg Arena, please click here. Alternatively, for options elsewhere in Ekaterinburg, please explore the selection available here.

FC Ural Tickets

Tickets for FC Ural games can be bought online, or at the club shop at the Grinvich shopping centre in central Ekaterinburg. Email [email protected] for more information.

Relevant Internet links

Fc-ural.ru - Official website of FC Ural.