After mad dash to wire, Russia’s stadiums open for World Cup

Moscow (AFP) – Although some pushed it down to the wire, all 12 stadiums have been completed in time for the June 14 to July 15 World Cup in Russia.

From Moscow’s grand Luzhniki Stadium, which also hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics, to the worrisomely late Samara Arena, here is a look at where the football games will be played. 

MOSCOW (Luzhniki Stadium)

Capacity: 80,000

Opening: 1956 (renovated 2017)

Estimated cost: $385 million (330 million euros)

Matches: June 14 – Russia vs Saudi Arabia; June 17 – Germany vs Mexico; June 20 – Portugal vs Morocco; June 26 – Denmark vs France; July 1 Round of 16; July 11 – Semi Final; July 15 – Final

The historic crucible of Soviet and Russian sport, Luzhniki is the national squad’s home ground and venue for major political events, such as big speeches by President Vladimir Putin. It was gutted and rebuilt for the World Cup, turning it into a football-specific venue. Only its original facade remains.

MOSCOW (Spartak Stadium)

Capacity: 45,000

Opening: 2014

Estimated cost: $235 million

Matches: June 16 – Argentina vs Iceland, June 19 – Poland vs Senegal; June 23 – Belgium vs Tunisia; June 26 – Serbia vs Brazil; July 3 – Round of 16

Russia’s most popular team by a wide margin, Spartak Moscow had no place to call home until the red and white arena opened to great fanfare four years ago. Spartak fans also think their stadium has the best atmosphere, although that point is up for debate.

SAINT PETERSBURG (Saint Petersburg Stadium)

Capacity: 68,000

Opening: 2017

Estimated cost: $700-$775 million

Matches: June 15 – Morocco vs Iran; June 19 – Russia vs Egypt; June 22 – Brazil vs Costa Rica; June 26 – Nigeria vs Argentina; July 3 – Round of 16; July 10 – Semi Final; July 14 – Third Place playoff

Under construction for more than a decade due to bureaucratic red tape and graft, the majestic arena cost about three times more than planned. Russia’s most high-tech arena, with a retractable roof and pitch, will host some of the tournament’s most glamorous matches, including ones played by Argentina and Brazil.

KAZAN (Kazan Arena)

Capacity: 45,000

Opening: 2013

Estimated cost: $230 million

Matches: June 16 – France vs Australia; June 20 – Iran vs Spain; June 24 – Poland vs Colombia; June 27 – South Korea vs Germany; June 30 – – Round of 16; July 6 – Quarter Final

Built for the 2013 University Games, Kazan Arena has grand ambitions, with Russian authorities thinking of proposing it as a future Summer Olympics venue.

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