FIFA 2018 World Cup matches will play out in these 12 stadiums across Russia
Sources say Russia is investing about GBP 20 billion in the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament.
5
Barry Rodgers | Nov 29, 2017
2018 FIFA World Cup fever is already upon us and football fans are putting their plans in place to visit Russia for the upcoming tournament. Each of the 11 host cities in Russia are readying themselves for a summer of football, with visitors pouring in from around the world.
And while 32 teams have already booked their spots, how are things really shaping up at each of the 12 venues that will be hosting the football matches in Russia in 2018? What we (unofficially) know is that Russia is investing about GBP 20 billion in the tournament. Money matters aside, AD takes a tour of the 12 stadiums that will host millions of football fans come 2018:
Luzhniki Stadium
Luzhniki Stadium design for the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia
This is the mother of all stadiums in Russia. Luzhniki Stadium will host the final, making it the centrepiece of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The inside of the old stadium was torn down in 2013, with the current structure able to accommodate 81,000 people.
Spartak Stadium
This stadium was only opened in 2014. Being one of the smaller grounds to be used at the 2018 World Cup, the stadium will not host games during the latter stages of the tournament.
Krestovsky Stadium
The Krestovsky Stadium is second only to the Luzhniki Stadium in terms of prominence at the World Cup. While the stadium was supposed to be completed by December 2008, it only opened this year. With a capacity of 64,287, it is the most expensive stadium in the world.
Fisht Olympic Stadium
Fisht Olympic Stadium design for the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia
The stadium has already played host to the Winter Olympics and Paralympics (three years ago), in addition to 2017's Confederations Cup. The stadium is now poised to host one quarter-final, one round-of-16 game and four group matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup 2018.
Kazan Stadium
The home of local football club Rubin Kazan, Kazan Arena comes with the largest outside video screen in Europe, giving the 2018 FIFA World Cup fans a front row seat (quite literally) to an entire side of the venue. The stadium was designed by the same architects who were behind the planning for the renowned Wembley Stadium and the Emirates Stadium.
Yekaterinburg Stadium or Ekaterinburg Arena
Ekaterinburg Arena under construction in Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament
This stadium has been garnering attention for its seating arrangement. Located east of the Urals, fans can sit outside the ground to watch a match. The temporary stand has been built to accommodate the huge influx of fans at the 2018 FIFA World Cup tourney. The edgy circular design is also a standout feature of the stadium.
Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
This swanky stadium has been built recently, just in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament. The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium has been in the news in 2017 after a fire broke out on the ground. Once the dust settles on the World Cup, the stadium will be home to local club Olimpiyets.
Cosmos Arena
This new-age stadium, with a design inspired by aerospace, is still under construction. The exterior facade of the stadium resembles a glass dome, while the interior has a lattice pattern.
Rostov Arena
The under-construction Rostov Arena in Russia will play host to the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament
A trip to Rostov-on-Don will be quite something for football fans. The city is best known for its Cossack culture. The good-looking Rostov Arena has been pitched as the beginning of a new city centre, once the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament is over.
Kaliningrad Stadium
This is one of the more smaller stadiums, with a seating capacity of 35,000. Only four matches will be hosted here.
Mordovia Stadium
The under-construction stadium is touted to be a bit of an architectural marv
