Modernization of Ekaterinburg’s Central Stadium will start in 2014

24.12.2012 — News

SVERDLOVSK REGION

The Central Stadium in the Russian city of Ekaterinburg will start getting ready for soccer's World Cup – 2018 in early 2014. A year ahead of this event, the Moscow company Sport-Engineering will provide a reconstruction concept for the venue compliant with all the FIFA requirements.

As the Government of Sverdlovsk Region told RusBusinessNews, the Stadium would have more turnstiles, video cameras and the number of spectator seats will increase from 27 thousand to the required 45 thousand. Thus, Ekaterinburg will be able to host matches of quarter-final level. Following the completion of this sports championship, approximately 10 thousand seats can be demounted.

Reconstruction of the Central Stadium is complicated by the fact that this sports venue was constructed over half a century ago and now represents a cultural heritage. According to preliminary estimation, its renovation will cost as much as 6-7 billion rubles. The main source of financing shall be provided from the federal budget with the first tranche of 250 million rubles expected to be received by the Sverdlovsk Region by the end of 2012. 

Among the most important issues associated with the Central Stadium renovation for soccer's World Cup is relocation of pre-trial detention center which is currently located right in front of the sports complex. If the federal authorities agree to allocate necessary financing, a new detention center will be constructed on the outskirts of Ekaterinburg.