Hubbry Logo
Krestovsky StadiumKrestovsky StadiumMain
Open search
Krestovsky Stadium
Community hub
Krestovsky Stadium
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Krestovsky Stadium
Krestovsky Stadium
Krestovsky Stadium
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

59°58′22.8″N 30°13′13.8″E / 59.973000°N 30.220500°E / 59.973000; 30.220500

Krestovsky Stadium, known as Gazprom Arena for sponsorship reasons[6] (Russian: «Газпром Арена»), is a retractable roof stadium with a retractable pitch in the western portion of Krestovsky Island in Saint Petersburg, Russia, which serves as home for FC Zenit Saint Petersburg.[7] The stadium was opened in 2017 for the FIFA Confederations Cup.[8][9][10][11][12][13]

Key Information

It is called Saint Petersburg Stadium during major international tournaments, including the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup,[14] 2018 FIFA World Cup,[15] and UEFA Euro 2020.[16]

History

[edit]

The stadium was built as one of the venues for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The competition between architectural projects was won by Kisho Kurokawa's "The Spaceship".[17] The design of the stadium is a modified and enlarged version of Toyota Stadium in Toyota City, Japan, which was also designed by Kurokawa. The stadium was built on the location where the former Kirov Stadium used to stand before it was demolished.[18] The capacity of 56,196 seats was increased to 68,000 seats for the World Cup. It also has 104 luxuriously designed skyboxes.[19]

In 2005 the planning of the stadium began. Initial construction work began in late 2008.[20]

In January 2009 The St. Petersburg Times reported that the project was now to be funded by the city government of St Petersburg, with Gazprom switching to build a separate skyscraper project. The City Hall had to step in after Gazprom declined to invest any further money into the stadium's construction.[21] Before the stadium was named Sankt Petersburg in October 2015, it was known under the names Zenit Arena, Gazprom Arena and Piter Arena.[19][22]

On 25 July 2016 the general contractor, Inzhtransstroy-Spb, issued a statement that the city authorities have failed to pay 1 billion rubles ($15.8 million at the current exchange rate) worth of construction work and stopped the work. The next day the contract was terminated. On 1 August there were reports of wind damage to parts of the metal sheathing, and a flood.

In the end of August 2016, the new general contractor, Metrostroy, resumed construction works on the site.[23]

In April 2017 the work on the stadium was completed. The total cost of the stadium amounted to 24 billion rubles.[24] The first official match held at the stadium was the Russian Premier League game between FC Zenit Saint Petersburg and FC Ural on 22 April 2017. Branislav Ivanović scored the first goal in the stadium's history.[citation needed]

On 17 June 2017, the first game of 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup was held on the stadium with the Group A match between the host Russia and New Zealand.[8]

On 2 July 2017, the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Final was held at the stadium between Chile and Germany,[25] becoming the most attended match of the tournament and also setting the record attendance for the stadium.[citation needed]

On 15 February 2018 the government of Saint Petersburg signed a contract for the rights and use of the stadium with Zenit Arena LLC, which is a subsidiary of JSC football club Zenit.[26][27]

On 16 December 2018 the stadium hosted a Channel One Cup ice hockey match between Russia and Finland. 71,381 spectators attended the game, setting a record attendance for domestic ice hockey and the stadium overall.[5]

On 2 August 2019 Rammstein played a concert at the stadium as part of their stadium tour.[28]

After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, it was announced that the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final would be moved from the Gazprom Arena to the Stade de France.[29][30]

The stadium under construction in 2016; the stadium during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Final

2017 FIFA Confederations Cup

[edit]
Date Time Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
17 June 2017 18:00  Russia 2–0  New Zealand Group A 50,251[31]
22 June 2017 18:00  Cameroon 1–1  Australia Group B 35,021[32]
24 June 2017 18:00  New Zealand 0–4  Portugal Group A 56,290[33]
2 July 2017 21:00  Chile 0–1  Germany Final 57,268[34]

2018 FIFA World Cup

[edit]

Saint Petersburg was one of the host venues, seven matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Date Time Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
15 June 2018 18:00  Morocco 0–1  Iran Group B 62,548[35]
19 June 2018 21:00  Russia 3–1  Egypt Group A 64,468[36]
22 June 2018 15:00  Brazil 2–0  Costa Rica Group E 64,468[37]
26 June 2018 21:00  Nigeria 1–2  Argentina Group D 64,468[38]
3 July 2018 17:00  Sweden 1–0   Switzerland Round of 16 64,042[39]
10 July 2018 21:00  France 1–0  Belgium Semi-final 64,286[40]
14 July 2018 17:00  Belgium 2–0  England Third place match 64,406[41]

UEFA Euro 2020

[edit]

On 19 September 2014, it was announced by UEFA that the stadium was chosen to host four UEFA Euro 2020 finals fixtures, three group games and a quarter-final match. On 23 April 2021, the stadium was given three additional group stage matches in Group E (Poland vs. Slovakia, Sweden vs. Slovakia and Sweden vs. Poland) following the removal of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin as a Euro 2020 host city due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland.[42]

Date Time Team #1 Score Team #2 Round Attendance
12 June 2021 21:00  Belgium 3–0  Russia Group B 26,264[43]
14 June 2021 18:00  Poland 1–2  Slovakia Group E 12,862[44]
16 June 2021 15:00  Finland 0–1  Russia Group B 24,540[45]
18 June 2021 15:00  Sweden 1–0  Slovakia Group E 11,525[46]
21 June 2021 21:00  Finland 0–2  Belgium Group B 18,545[47]
23 June 2021 18:00  Sweden 3–2  Poland Group E 14,252[48]
2 July 2021 19:00   Switzerland 1–1 (a.e.t.)
(1–3 p)		  Spain Quarter-finals 24,764[49]

UEFA Champions League Matches

[edit]

On 24 September 2019, UEFA announced that the stadium would host the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final.[50] However, due to adjustments of the 2020 final caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, their hosting time was pushed back a year to 2022.[51] As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, UEFA called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee,[52][53] and the next day, UEFA confirmed that the final would be moved to the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris.[29][30]

Date Time (MSK) Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
2 October 2019 22:00 Russia Zenit Saint Petersburg 3–1 Portugal Benfica Group G 51,683
5 November 2019 20:55 0–2 Germany RB Leipzig 50,452
27 November 2019 20:55 2–0 France Lyon 51,183
20 October 2020 19:55 1–2 Belgium Club Brugge Group F 16,682
4 November 2020 20:55 1–1 Italy Lazio 17,427
8 December 2020 20:55 1–2 Germany Borussia Dortmund 10,860
29 September 2021 19:45 4–0 Sweden Malmö FF Group H 15,339
20 October 2021 22:00 0–1 Italy Juventus 18,717
8 December 2021 19:45 3–3 England Chelsea 29,349

UEFA Europa League Matches

[edit]
Date Time (MSK) Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
3 August 2017 20:00 Russia Zenit Saint Petersburg 0-1 Israel Bnei Yehuda Third qualifying round 45,670
24 August 2017 20:00 2-0 (a.e.t.) Netherlands FC Utrecht Qualifying round play-offs 49,237
28 September 2017 20:00 3-1 Spain Real Sociedad Group L 50,487
19 October 2017 20:00 3-1 Norway Rosenborg BK 46,211
23 November 2017 21:00 2-1 North Macedonia FK Vardar 38,196
22 February 2018 21:00 3-0 Scotland Celtic FC Round of 32 50,492
15 March 2018 21:00 1-1 Germany RB Leipzig Round of 16 44,092
23 August 2018 19:00 3-1 Norway Molde FK Qualifying round play-offs 40,677
4 October 2018 19:55 1-0 Czech Republic Slavia Prague Group C 45,408
25 October 2018 19:55 2-1 France FC Bordeaux 45,723
25 October 2018 20:55 1-0 Denmark FC Copenhagen 45,199
21 February 2019 20:55 1-0 Turkey Fenerbahçe Round of 32 50,448
7 March 2019 20:55 1-3 Spain Villarreal CF Round of 16 51,826
17 February 2022 20:45 2–3 Spain Real Betis Knockout round play-offs 28,936
Saint Petersburg Arena after a UEFA Champions League match in 2021

Conditions for spectators with disabilities

[edit]

Saint Petersburg Arena offers 560 seats for people with disabilities, 266 of them are for wheelchair users.[54] Moreover, the stadium design includes special lobbies, elevators and ramps to ensure accessibility to spectators with limited mobility.[55]

Safety and security

[edit]

The stadium has been fully prepared for the FIFA World Cup games in accordance with the FIFA requirements for capacity and security.[55] The stadium is equipped with a video surveillance and identification system that makes it possible to detect any troublemakers and fans who are not allowed to enter.[56]

Average attendances

[edit]
Tenants League season Home games Average attendance[57]
FC Zenit 2024 15 28,159
FC Zenit 2023 15 31,236
FC Zenit 2018-19 15 48,122
FC Zenit 2017-18 15 43,963
FC Zenit 2016-17 15 43,963

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Krestovsky Stadium

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Krestovsky Stadium, officially Arena for sponsorship purposes, is a multi-purpose retractable-roof stadium situated on Krestovsky Island in , , serving primarily as the home venue for . Designed by Japanese architect with construction commencing in 2006, the facility features a movable natural grass pitch and a capacity of 67,568 spectators in its standard configuration. Opened in April 2017 following extensive delays, it hosted matches during the and six group-stage games at the , among other events. The stadium's development exemplifies , including its distinctive design preserving the island's landscape and advanced systems for weather protection, yet it became emblematic of fiscal mismanagement with total costs escalating from an initial allocation of approximately $268 million to over $1 billion due to repeated postponements and contractual disputes. Originally slated for completion by 2009, the project faced multiple contractor changes and technical challenges, extending the timeline by nearly a and drawing scrutiny for inefficiencies in public procurement processes. Post-opening, it has accommodated like Euro 2020 and Europa League finals, underscoring its role in international football despite the backdrop of construction overruns that reportedly exceeded budget by sixfold.

Planning and Construction

Conception and Design Phase

In 2004, the administration of resolved to demolish and replace the obsolete Kirov Stadium on Krestovsky Island, which had hosted FC Zenit matches since 1950 but suffered from outdated and insufficient capacity for contemporary standards. The new venue was envisioned as a modern, multi-purpose facility primarily for football, with additional capabilities for concerts and public events, aiming to elevate the city's sports and support Zenit's ambitions in domestic and European competitions. Planning formalized in late 2005, prompting an international architectural tender to select a that harmonized with the island's park-like setting while incorporating cutting-edge features such as a . The tender was awarded to Japanese architect of Kisho Kurokawa Architect & Associates, whose submission prevailed over competitors by adapting elements from his prior Toyota Stadium project in , emphasizing a futuristic, low-profile form to blend with the Gulf of Finland's shoreline. Kurokawa's blueprint specified a seven-story structure with a translucent membrane roof spanning 200 by 90 meters, designed for rapid deployment to enable year-round usability amid Saint Petersburg's harsh winters, alongside an initial of about 62,000 expandable to 68,000 through modular adjustments. Key design decisions prioritized landscape preservation, including minimal earthworks and integration of green spaces, while ensuring compliance with emerging and standards for sightlines, accessibility, and safety. Initial projections targeted operational readiness by December 2008, though subsequent revisions addressed capacity hikes and regulatory alignments for international hosting.

Construction Timeline and Delays

The reconstruction of Krestovsky Stadium originated from a 2004 decision by authorities to replace the obsolete Kirov Stadium. Demolition of the existing structure began in late 2006, followed by the start of new construction works in 2007. The project was initially projected to conclude by 2009, providing a modern venue for . Significant delays ensued, extending the timeline by nearly a decade. Key factors included the death of original architect in 2007, necessitating design revisions, and subsequent adaptations to comply with requirements after secured the 2018 hosting rights in 2010. Multiple contractor transitions occurred due to financial disagreements, including payment holdups by regional authorities and probes into and . By mid-2016, with construction at approximately 85% completion under previous contractors like Transstroy, the shifted to Metrostroy as the general contractor in late , accelerating progress amid ongoing disputes. This phase addressed persistent issues such as structural rework, where built elements were repeatedly demolished and rebuilt. The stadium reached substantial completion on March 31, 2017, enabling commissioning shortly thereafter. Reports highlighted mismanagement and poor planning as underlying causes, with the project missing over a dozen deadlines and incurring quality concerns that required remedial actions. Allegations of , including opaque dealings and fund misappropriation, surfaced in media and official investigations, though convictions were limited.

Funding, Costs, and Economic Factors

The initial budget for Krestovsky Stadium, approved in 2007, was set at 6.7 billion rubles. Construction funding was originally intended to come from , Russia's state-controlled energy giant and sponsor of , in exchange for and commercial benefits. However, withdrew its financial commitment in early 2009 amid project uncertainties, shifting the burden to the St. Petersburg city government, which covered subsequent costs from municipal budgets. retained its role as principal sponsor, securing post-completion as Gazprom Arena, but did not contribute directly to construction expenses. Project costs ballooned due to protracted delays, design revisions, and contractor disputes, culminating in a final expenditure of approximately 43 billion rubles by the 2017 opening—equivalent to about $738 million at contemporaneous exchange rates. This marked an overrun exceeding 540% from the original estimate, with interim budgets revised multiple times, reaching 39.2 billion rubles as of early 2017. The escalations strained St. Petersburg's public finances, as the stadium was classified as a municipal asset rather than a private venture, imposing opportunity costs on other priorities amid Russia's economic pressures from oil price volatility and sanctions. Allegations of and procurement irregularities further amplified economic concerns, including charges against contractors for overbilling and substandard work, leading to criminal investigations and personnel dismissals. These factors exemplified broader inefficiencies in Russia's mega-project execution, where opaque dealings and political imperatives for readiness prioritized completion over fiscal restraint, resulting in taxpayer-funded excesses without commensurate private investment offsets.

Architectural and Technical Features

Structural Design and Innovations

The structural design of Krestovsky Stadium employs a cable-stayed framework with four prominent pylons rising to 110 meters, supporting a spanning a of 286 meters and weighing 32,000 tons. Initially designed by Japanese architect as a modified enlargement of his Stadium in , the framework integrates overlapping stands beneath the roof to optimize sightlines and weather protection. Construction from 2007 to 2016 utilized 486,000 cubic meters of for the foundation and substructure, combined with steel elements for the tensile roof supports. A primary innovation is the mechanism, which slides open or closed to cover the 68,000-seat capacity while allowing natural ventilation; the roof's translucent ethylene tetrafluoroethylene () panels transmit daylight, reducing energy demands for artificial lighting. The design evolved after Kurokawa's death in 2007, replacing an earlier retractable system with a fixed-position adjustable via louvers, yet retaining cable-stayed pylons for structural over traditional trussed alternatives. The stadium's retractable pitch represents another engineering advancement: a 120-meter by 80-meter field surface moves on air cushions powered by electric motors, retracting beneath the stands to expose an underlying arena floor for concerts and events, thereby maximizing venue versatility. This system minimizes turf wear from non-football uses and supports year-round operations in Saint Petersburg's variable . The facade incorporates ceramic-metal panels with anti-vandal coatings, enhancing durability against environmental exposure.

Capacity, Pitch, and Retractable Elements

The Gazprom Arena, also known as Krestovsky Stadium, has a of 67,800 spectators. This figure reflects post-construction adjustments from an initial of around 62,000 seats, with expansions to enhance versatility for major events, though UEFA-licensed capacity for club matches is limited to approximately 63,000 to meet standards. The pitch measures 105 meters in length by 68 meters in width, utilizing natural grass reinforced for durability. It incorporates to mitigate St. Petersburg's harsh winters. Key retractable elements include a sliding pitch mounted on rails, which allows the field to be moved laterally beneath the spectator stands in about 7 hours, exposing a fixed artificial surface underneath for concerts or other non-football uses while protecting the grass from damage and enabling natural sunlight exposure. The stadium also features a spanning 286 meters in diameter, supported by eight pillars reaching up to 79 meters at its highest point, which can close to maintain internal temperatures around 21°C during inclement weather or year-round operations. Early concerns about pitch stability during retraction were addressed prior to full operational use, ensuring compliance for events like the .

Sustainability and Technological Systems

The stadium incorporates environmentally safe materials and technologies designed to meet high standards of the international certification system, including halogen-free cables and energy-saving lamps. It achieves an A++ energy efficiency class, with features such as OTIS elevators equipped with regenerative drives that recover and redirect energy, saving 40-75% on power consumption compared to conventional systems. Sustainability measures also include rainwater and drainage water recycling systems to reduce water usage. Key technological systems enable year-round functionality in Saint Petersburg's climate. The spans 71,000 square meters and can open or close in approximately 15 minutes, allowing natural sunlight for grass growth while providing weather protection. The natural turf pitch measures 120 by 80 meters and utilizes a roll-out system supported by air cushions, enabling relocation in about six hours; it features subsurface , electric heating, and drainage to maintain playability. Sports lighting systems support broadcasting and include full backup power capacity for up to three hours during emergencies. Additional innovations encompass integrated engineering systems monitoring for structural health and over 600 security cameras for comprehensive surveillance.

Inauguration and Early Operations

Official Opening and First Matches

The Krestovsky Stadium, officially designated as Arena for FC Zenit Saint Petersburg's usage, held its inaugural match on April 22, 2017, marking the official opening of the venue to competitive football. This event featured a fixture between host team Zenit and FC Ural , resulting in a 2–0 victory for Zenit attended by 20,004 spectators. The match served as the stadium's debut following extensive construction delays, transitioning Zenit from the temporary and preparing the facility for its role in upcoming international tournaments. Zenit's performance in the opening game underscored the stadium's integration into domestic competition, with the club securing its first win at the new 67,000-capacity venue despite the relatively modest , possibly influenced by the early season timing and ongoing operational adjustments. Subsequent early matches further established the arena's functionality for league play, including Zenit's next fixture against on April 29, 2017, which drew a larger and highlighted the venue's readiness for regular operations ahead of the . These initial s validated the stadium's technical features, such as its and pitch system, without reported major disruptions.

Initial Domestic Usage by FC Zenit

The first official domestic match at Krestovsky Stadium involving FC Zenit Saint Petersburg occurred on 22 April 2017, when the club hosted FC Ural Yekaterinburg in a Russian Premier League fixture. Zenit won 2–0, with Branislav Ivanović scoring the stadium's inaugural goal in the 57th minute, followed by a second from teammate Danny. Attendance stood at 20,004, modest relative to the venue's 67,000 capacity, attributable in part to incomplete construction elements such as unfinished facades and ongoing turf integration testing. This encounter marked Zenit's shift from Petrovsky Stadium, their prior home since 2006 with a capacity of about 21,500, to the new facility designed specifically for elite-level domestic and international play. The debut aligned with the late stages of the 2016–17 season, enabling Zenit to host their remaining home games there amid the club's push for a top-four finish to qualify for European competition. Operational challenges persisted, including partial functionality of retractable roof and pitch systems, which were prioritized for completion ahead of the subsequent ; however, the match demonstrated the stadium's viability for standard league operations, with no major disruptions reported in crowd flow or pitch conditions. Zenit's use of the venue for domestic purposes intensified in the 2017–18 season, with home attendances gradually rising as infrastructure finalized, averaging over 40,000 for early fixtures despite the prior season's transitional constraints.

Major International Tournaments Hosted

2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Matches

Krestovsky Stadium hosted two fixtures during the : the opening match on 17 June and the final on 2 July. These events marked the venue's debut in major international competition, drawing significant crowds and serving as key highlights of the tournament held across four Russian cities. The opening match saw host nation defeat 2–0 in Group A, with goals from Igor Smolnikov and Fyodor Dzyuba securing a comfortable victory for the hosts. The game, attended by 50,251 spectators including Russian President , featured Russia's dominance in possession and set-piece opportunities, though New Zealand offered limited threats. This result provided an encouraging start for Russia ahead of their subsequent group stage encounters.
DateStageTeamsScoreAttendance
17 June 2017Group A (Opening) vs. 2–050,251
The final pitted world champions against two-time defending Confederations Cup winners , ending in a 1–0 victory for via a 20th-minute goal from , who capitalized on a defensive error by Chilean . Played before 57,268 fans, the showcased 's tactical discipline and counter-attacking efficiency against 's high-pressing style, which generated possession but few clear chances. This outcome secured 's first and only Confederations Cup title, concluding the tournament on a note of European dominance.
DateStageTeamsScoreAttendance
2 July 2017Final vs. 0–157,268

2018 FIFA World Cup Games

Krestovsky Stadium, officially designated as Stadium for the tournament, hosted six matches during the , comprising four group-stage fixtures on 15, 19, 22, and 26 June, the first semi-final on 10 July, and the third-place match on 14 July. The venue's capacity was temporarily reduced to approximately 64,500 for World Cup events to meet safety standards, with all games drawing near-full crowds averaging over 63,000 spectators. The group-stage matches included:
DateGroupTeamsResultAttendance
15 June 2018B vs 0–162,548
19 June 2018A vs 3–164,190
22 June 2018E vs 2–064,006
26 June 2018D vs 1–264,468
Russia's victory over secured their advancement to the knockout stage as group winners, while 's win eliminated despite Lionel Messi's goal being matched by Ahmed Musa's brace. 's goals from and ensured progression, and 's Azizi Azmoun scored the decisive goal against in a low-scoring affair marked by tactical play and a late penalty. In the semi-final, defeated 1–0 via an by in the 51st minute, attended by 64,286 fans, propelling to the final. The third-place match saw beat 2–0 with goals from Meunier and , drawing 64,406 spectators and setting a venue record for the tournament. These fixtures highlighted the stadium's role in key tournament moments, though no major operational issues were reported beyond standard event logistics.

UEFA Euro 2020 Fixtures

Krestovsky Stadium, also known as Gazprom Arena, hosted seven fixtures for , contested in 2021 amid the , comprising six group stage matches—three from Group B and three from Group E—and one quarter-final. Originally slated for three group games and one quarter-final, the venue absorbed additional matches after reallocated fixtures from Dublin's , which was removed as a host due to insufficient guarantees on full-capacity crowds. Attendance was capped at varying limits, typically 25-50% of the stadium's 67,000 capacity, reflecting local health protocols in , which permitted higher spectator numbers than some other host cities. The group stage encounters featured host nation Russia in two Group B clashes, alongside competitions involving Belgium, Finland, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden in Group E. These matches drew competitive crowds despite restrictions, with Russia's games attracting the largest attendances. The quarter-final pitted Switzerland against Spain, extending into extra time and decided by penalties.
DateMatchScoreStageAttendance
12 June 2021Belgium vs. Russia3–0Group B26,264
14 June 2021Poland vs. Slovakia1–2Group E12,862
16 June 2021Finland vs. Russia0–1Group B24,392
18 June 2021Sweden vs. Slovakia1–0Group E11,525
21 June 2021Finland vs. Belgium0–2Group B18,545
23 June 2021Sweden vs. Poland3–2Group E20,167
2 July 2021Switzerland vs. Spain1–1 (Spain won 3–1 on penalties)Quarter-final24,010
These fixtures underscored the stadium's role as a key venue in the tournament's expanded format across 11 European cities, with Saint Petersburg's matches concluding Russia's participation after a round-of-16 exit elsewhere and advancing to the semi-finals. Local operations emphasized enhanced ventilation and testing protocols to mitigate pandemic risks, aligning with UEFA's hybrid attendance model.

Ongoing Usage and Club Competitions

FC Zenit Home Games and Attendance

Krestovsky Stadium, commercially known as Arena, serves as the primary venue for FC Zenit Saint Petersburg's home matches in the (RPL) and Russian Cup competitions since the stadium's opening in 2017. The club has hosted all domestic league fixtures there, benefiting from the venue's capacity of approximately 67,800 seats, which supports large-scale attendances reflective of Zenit's status as a dominant force in Russian football, having secured multiple RPL titles during this period. Early home games established strong fan turnout, with the stadium facilitating sold-out or near-capacity crowds for key fixtures against rivals. Attendance figures for Zenit home games have consistently ranked among the highest in the RPL, often exceeding averages in other Eastern European leagues. In the 2017–18 season, the club drew an average of 43,962 spectators per home league match. More recent data shows sustained interest, with an average of 35,691 across 15 RPL home games in the 2024–25 season and 36,668 over four matches early in the 2025–26 season. The highest recorded attendance for a Zenit domestic home game at the stadium was 61,494, set during a 2019 RPL match against CSKA Moscow. These numbers underscore robust fan engagement, particularly for derbies and title-contending encounters, though figures dipped during COVID-19 restrictions before rebounding post-2022.
SeasonRPL Home MatchesTotal SpectatorsAverage Attendance
2024–2515535,36735,691
2025–26*4146,67236,668
*Ongoing as of October 2025. Zenit's attendance leadership in the RPL persists, with recent matches like those in the 2025–26 season drawing over 63,000 spectators in standout games, driven by competitive success and the stadium's modern amenities. Variations occur based on opponent significance and external factors such as weather or scheduling, but overall trends indicate near-full utilization for high-stakes domestic clashes.

UEFA Champions League and Europa League Encounters

The Krestovsky Stadium, serving as FC Zenit's home venue since its inauguration, has hosted the club's UEFA Europa League and Champions League fixtures from the 2017/18 season onward, until Russian clubs were excluded from UEFA competitions in February 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These encounters featured group stage and knockout matches against prominent European sides, with Zenit achieving several victories that contributed to progression in the tournaments. Attendance figures typically ranged from 40,000 to over 60,000, reflecting the stadium's capacity and fan support for international games. Key UEFA Europa League matches at the stadium include Zenit's 3–1 group stage victory over on 28 September 2017, marked by goals from , , and Dzyuba. In the 2017/18 round of 32 second leg, Zenit defeated Celtic 3–0 on 22 February 2018 at Krestovsky Stadium, overturning a 1–0 first-leg deficit to advance 3–1 on aggregate with goals from Roberto Driussi (two) and Dzyuba. The 2018/19 group stage saw home wins such as 3–1 against and 2–1 over , though Zenit was eliminated in the round of 16 by following a 1–3 home loss in the first leg. In the , the stadium hosted Zenit's 2019/20 group stage home games in Group G. On 2 October 2019, Zenit beat Benfica 3–1 with goals from Yordan Osorio, Driussi, and Andrey Lunev's . This was followed by a 0–2 defeat to on 5 November 2019, and a 2–0 win over on 27 November 2019, securing third place and a Europa League playoff spot. Zenit also featured in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Europa League group stages, hosting matches against teams including Rangers and , though specific outcomes underscored inconsistent European campaigns amid domestic dominance. These fixtures highlighted the stadium's role in Zenit's European efforts, with the occasionally deployed for adverse weather.

Facilities and Operations

Accessibility for Spectators with Disabilities

Krestovsky Stadium, also known as Arena, allocates 560 seats specifically for spectators with disabilities, including 266 spaces designated for users to ensure unobstructed views of the pitch. These seating areas comply with international standards for major tournaments, such as those mandated by and , which require accessible positions with companion seating and clear sightlines. Entry and circulation within the venue incorporate special lobbies, dedicated elevators, and ramps tailored for access and limited mobility, enabling service vehicle drop-offs directly at accessible points. These features extend to internal concourses and amenities, including barrier-free restrooms and pathways, supporting independent navigation for disabled visitors. For matchday support, FC Zenit provides ticketing provisions for registered disabled supporters, encompassing those with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments, often at reduced or complimentary rates when accompanied by a companion. The stadium's thus facilitates broader participation, though external like metro access to Krestovsky Ostrov station may pose additional challenges due to varying urban infrastructure compatibility.

Safety, Security, and Crowd Management

The Gazprom Arena, also known as Krestovsky Stadium, incorporates advanced infrastructure designed to monitor and control access for up to 68,000 spectators. The facility features over 600 video surveillance cameras that track individuals from entry points to seating areas, enabling real-time identification and behavioral . Complementing this, a comprehensive video supplied by Dallmeier includes patented Panomera multifocal-sensor and more than 1,000 single-sensor cameras covering the stadium perimeter, entrance gates, sub-grandstand areas, and terraces, ensuring offender identification at a minimum resolution of 250 pixels per meter and 25 frames per second in compliance with DIN EN 62676-4 standards. Access control is managed through an automated system with over 1,000 passage points utilizing electronic cards, door controllers, and integration with ticket sales and parking validation to prevent unauthorized entry and facilitate crowd flow monitoring. A centralized control center oversees these elements alongside security alarms equipped with 3,500 magnetic detectors, 200 glass-break sensors, and 1,000 optoelectronic devices, allowing rapid response to potential threats. During FC Zenit matches, the stadium operates under a safety plan dividing the venue into three zones to coordinate police presence and maintain order. Safety measures emphasize and response, including a alarm network with 16 stations, 10,000 sensors, and 2,000 manual call points that trigger smoke extraction, ventilation shutdown, and notifications. Extinguishing capabilities encompass dry-chemical, gaseous, water-spray systems, and robotic units on activated by sensors and cameras. Evacuation protocols have been tested through exercises simulating mass casualties, such as landings for injured fans, confirming structural integrity and response efficiency. The stadium's systems align with and regulations, as demonstrated during the and , where no major security breaches or crowd control failures were reported despite hosting high-attendance international matches. Crowd management benefits from real-time data processing via 436 access points and 250 kilometers of fiber-optic cabling, supporting predictive flow analysis for ingress, egress, and potential evacuations. Post-event assessments for domestic Zenit fixtures have not identified systemic crowd management deficiencies, contrasting with prior issues at the club's former venue.

Maintenance and Post-Event Assessments

In February 2018, operational control and maintenance responsibilities for Krestovsky Stadium (also known as Gazprom Arena) were transferred to , aiming to shift the financial burden from municipal taxpayers to the club's resources. Annual maintenance expenses were projected at 1.3 billion rubles (approximately €18.25 million at the time), reflecting the demands of the venue's advanced and sliding natural turf pitch systems, which require specialized engineering oversight to prevent structural fatigue and ensure functionality during harsh St. Petersburg winters. The retractable pitch, designed to slide beneath the stands for multi-purpose use, has posed persistent challenges, including grass degradation from limited sunlight exposure and mechanical wear, necessitating periodic resurfacing and adjustments beyond standard stadium norms. Similarly, the roof's membrane, intended to self-melt snow accumulation, underwent pre-opening modifications after failing load tests, with ongoing inspections required to address potential leaks and vibration issues identified during evaluations. These features, while innovative, elevate routine upkeep costs compared to fixed-roof venues, as evidenced by the stadium's history of technical interventions to maintain playability. Post-event assessments following the and focused on structural integrity and compliance, with reporting resolution of pre-tournament concerns over pitch instability through reinforcements, enabling successful hosting of seven matches without major disruptions. Internal reviews by Russian authorities and Zenit post-2018 noted minor residual issues akin to those in newly occupied facilities, such as localized building adjustments, but highlighted no catastrophic failures; however, the high legacy costs of these assessments and fixes underscored the inefficiencies stemming from the stadium's over-engineered design relative to operational needs. Independent analyses have criticized the long-term viability, attributing elevated maintenance demands to initial shortcuts rather than inherent design merits.

Controversies and Criticisms

Corruption Allegations and Investigations

The construction of Krestovsky Stadium, originally budgeted at 6.7 billion rubles in 2007, escalated to approximately 43 billion rubles by completion in 2017, representing a 540% overrun and an eight-year delay from the planned opening. These escalations prompted allegations of systemic , including inflated contracts, , and poor oversight, with critics attributing much of the excess to kickbacks and favoritism in procurement rather than mere incompetence. Independent estimates, such as from Russia's party anti-corruption center, suggested up to $1.5 billion in potential across projects including the stadium, though described as an informed approximation due to opaque accounting. A prominent investigation centered on Marat Oganesyan, former deputy governor of St. Petersburg, who in November 2017 admitted in court to embezzling 50 million rubles (approximately $777,000) from stadium-related contracts, specifically a installation deal. Oganesyan's formed part of a broader 2016-2017 wave of probes into regional officials overseeing infrastructure, highlighting kickbacks from contractors as a key mechanism. Separately, in 2015, Russian authorities opened a criminal case against contractor for overstating design and construction costs by 500 million rubles, involving falsified documentation submitted to city committees. Additional scrutiny focused on labor practices, with reports of migrant workers facing unpaid wages for months despite budget increases, and allegations of slave-like conditions contributing to at least two deaths on site. These issues fueled public , such as a 2017 straw replica built by a Russian farmer to mock the project's excesses and perceived graft, inscribed with "Not a single ruble was stolen." While some Western media emphasized corruption as emblematic of Russian state inefficiency—potentially amplified by geopolitical tensions—official Russian probes confirmed isolated convictions but downplayed systemic fraud, attributing delays partly to technical redesigns mandated by . No further high-profile convictions directly tied to the stadium emerged post-2018, though the project's opacity limited comprehensive audits.

Construction Quality and Technical Failures

The construction of Krestovsky Stadium, initiated in and completed in , was marred by persistent quality deficiencies stemming from inadequate , substandard materials, and execution errors, resulting in structural vulnerabilities and operational unreliability. Inspections by in late 2016 identified significant design and construction flaws, including overly narrow emergency passages that compromised safety protocols, necessitating urgent redesigns ahead of the . cracks emerged visibly during mid-construction phases in 2017, alongside vulnerable that posed and operational risks, as documented in on-site reports. A primary technical failure involved the , which suffered from leaks causing extensive flooding and subsequent mold proliferation within the structure, undermining the integrity of interior finishes and requiring remediation efforts that delayed usability. Engineers mandated a full redesign in response to simulations revealing potential under combined loads and high winds, a hazard exacerbated by the stadium's translucent panels and location in a prone to . The snow-melting mechanism integrated into the proved ineffective, failing to prevent accumulation and further straining the structure during initial operations. The retractable natural turf pitch system exhibited chronic instability, with severe vibrations reported during early tests that rendered the surface unplayable and prompted direct intervention from Russian authorities. Grass damage persisted into 2017, attributed to inadequate of the sliding mechanism to local and conditions, leading to uneven wear and replacement needs before major fixtures; confirmed the pitch's compromised state but endorsed temporary fixes for the Confederations Cup final on June 2, 2017. By early 2018, nearly 2,000 enumerated defects across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems remained unresolved, as contractors raced to certify the venue for Zenit Saint Petersburg's home debut on April 29, 2017, highlighting systemic oversight lapses in .

Political Sponsorship and Geopolitical Fallout

, Russia's state-controlled natural gas giant with over 50% ownership by the federal government, secured for the stadium in 2017, rebranding it as Gazprom Arena as part of a broader strategy to leverage football sponsorships for geopolitical influence and national branding. The company's investments in and international bodies like and , totaling hundreds of millions of euros since the early 2000s, aligned with priorities under President , who has personally championed the club and used sports infrastructure to project Russian power amid Western isolation over actions like the 2014 annexation of . The stadium's construction, primarily funded by city budgets exceeding 43 billion rubles (approximately $680 million at 2016 exchange rates) with federal subsidies, exemplified state-directed mega-projects tied to the , where served as a chief sponsor despite U.S. and sanctions imposed post-Crimea for violating international norms. These sponsorships facilitated hosting seven matches, including a quarterfinal, but drew criticism for enabling Russian projection while evading broader sports boycotts, as prioritized commercial interests over geopolitical concerns. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, triggered immediate geopolitical repercussions for the venue; stripped of the 2022 Champions League final scheduled for May 28 at Gazprom Arena, relocating it to the in amid condemnations of the war as aggression. This decision, decried by Russian officials as "political," reflected mounting pressure from European governments and sponsors to sever ties with Russian state entities. Western sanctions intensified fallout, prompting the termination of Gazprom's sponsorships with clubs like on February 23, 2022, and broader exclusions of Russian teams from , limiting the arena to domestic matches and isolating it from European revenue streams previously bolstered by Champions League qualifiers. FIFA's indefinite suspension of the Russian national team further curtailed international events, transforming the stadium—once a symbol of restored global engagement post-2018—into a marker of athletic pariah status, with attendance and prestige confined to fixtures amid economic pressures from sanctions curbing energy export revenues that indirectly supported such projects.

Impact and Legacy

Economic Contributions and Local Effects

The construction of Krestovsky Stadium, completed in 2017 after extensive delays, involved substantial labor inputs as part of Russia's preparations for the , contributing to temporary job creation in construction and related sectors across host cities including . However, the project's costs escalated dramatically from an initial estimate of around 6.7 billion rubles to over 43 billion rubles (approximately $670 million USD at completion), representing a 540% overrun that strained public finances and prompted scrutiny over value for money. During the , Krestovsky Stadium hosted four matches, including group-stage games and a round-of-16 fixture, which helped drive to with an estimated 700,000 visitors, 70% of them foreigners, generating revenue for hotels, restaurants, and transport services. The overall tournament contributed an estimated $13.8 billion to Russia's GDP, with host cities like benefiting from increased short-term economic activity through visitor spending, though long-term multipliers remain debated due to the event's one-off nature. In ongoing operations as Gazprom Arena and home to , the venue supports local employment in stadium management, event staffing, and maintenance, while regular matches—drawing average attendances exceeding 50,000—stimulate spending in surrounding areas on Krestovsky Island, including retail and hospitality. Infrastructure enhancements, such as improved metro connectivity via Lines 3 and 5, have facilitated better access, indirectly aiding of the district, though critics note limited evidence of sustained broad-based growth beyond event periods.

Achievements in Hosting and Infrastructure

Gazprom Arena demonstrated robust hosting capabilities during the , accommodating three group stage matches and the final on July 2, 2017, where defeated 1–0 before a crowd of 57,518 spectators. The venue's infrastructure supported seamless event operations, including efficient crowd flow and pitch conditions aligned with requirements. In the , the stadium hosted four group stage fixtures: versus on June 15 (attendance 62,548), versus on June 19 (64,468 attendees), versus on June 29, and versus on June 26. These events showcased the arena's capacity to manage high-volume international attendance and broadcast demands without reported disruptions, contributing to the tournament's overall execution in . For (postponed to 2021), Gazprom Arena served as a host venue for multiple matches, underscoring its versatility for European competitions. The facility's design features, including a spanning 286 meters in diameter and a sliding natural grass pitch with , enable year-round usability, even in harsh winter conditions, facilitating diverse events beyond football. Infrastructure highlights include a of approximately 67,800, distributed across nine levels totaling 286,000 square meters, with advanced systems like the world's largest LED ribbon—590 meters long and 2.2 meters high—enhancing spectator experience through dynamic displays. These elements met stringent and technical standards, positioning the stadium as a benchmark for multifunctional venues in .

Balanced Assessments of Successes and Shortcomings

The Gazprom Arena, formerly known as Krestovsky Stadium, has been praised for its advanced engineering features, including a and pitch, which enable year-round usability and enhance spectator experiences during events. These innovations contributed to its successful hosting of the and multiple matches, drawing international attention and accommodating over 1 million fans in Zenit St. Petersburg's 2017/18 home season alone. The stadium's unique, spaceship-like architecture has earned design accolades for ingenuity and environmental considerations, positioning it as a modern that boosts the host city's global sporting profile. However, these achievements are overshadowed by severe financial and managerial inefficiencies during construction, which spanned over a decade from 2007 to 2017 and resulted in costs ballooning from an initial US$268 million allocation to approximately US$700 million–$1.7 billion, representing overruns exceeding 500%. Delays, attributed to poor planning, inexperienced implementation of complex features, and opaque contracting, postponed completion multiple times and eroded public trust, with the project emblematic of broader issues in Russian mega-infrastructure ventures. In terms of legacy, the arena has driven local socioeconomic benefits through job creation during construction and ongoing event-related , serving as a catalyst for in . Yet, independent analyses highlight limited long-term returns relative to expenditure, with high maintenance demands for its sophisticated systems straining public finances and questioning the cost-effectiveness for a primarily domestic football club venue. Overall, while operationally successful post-opening, the stadium exemplifies how ambitious designs can yield functional assets but at disproportionate economic cost, underscoring the need for rigorous oversight in state-funded projects.

References

  1. https://en.fc-zenit.ru/club/gazpromarena/
  2. https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/rus/krestovskiy_stadion
  3. https://www.football-stadiums.co.uk/grounds/russia/krestovsky-stadium/
  4. https://sportsmatik.com/sports-corner/sports-venue/gazprom-arena
  5. http://www.thinktankconsulting.ca/what-happens-when-corruption-meets-incompetence-krestovsky-stadium
  6. https://guidetopetersburg.com/zenit-arena-troubles/
  7. https://www.stadiumguide.com/zenitnew/
  8. https://inside.fifa.com/news/saint-petersburg-stadium-2757084
  9. https://www.building.co.uk/buildings/world-cup-2018-stadium-by-stadium/5093987.article
  10. https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/saint-petersburg-gazprom-arena-64-468.459203/
  11. https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/projects/st-petersburg-stadium-krestovsky-island/
  12. https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/krestovsky-stadium
  13. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2016/07/14/work-on-russias-new-krestovsky-stadium-faces-further-delays/
  14. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-happens-when-corruption-meets-incompetence-jamal
  15. https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2017/0316/Sochi-redux-St.-Petersburg-stadium-echoes-battle-between-investment-corruption
  16. https://tass.com/sports/930379
  17. https://www.sportspro.com/insights/analysis/world-cup-2018-russia-stadium-guide/
  18. https://tass.com/sports/930371
  19. https://www.economist.com/europe/2017/07/20/the-cost-overruns-on-russias-world-cup-stadiums-are-staggering
  20. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2017/01/19/st-petersburgs-over-budget-world-cup-stadium-needs-another-33m-a56867
  21. https://structurae.net/en/structures/krestovsky-stadium
  22. https://www.mapei.com/it/en/realta-mapei/detail/saint-petersburg-stadium
  23. https://footballtripper.com/russia/zenit-st-petersburg-arena/
  24. https://www.transfermarkt.us/zenit-st-petersburg/stadion/verein/964
  25. http://piterarena.com/en/technical-solutions
  26. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37867926
  27. https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/features/the-worlds-most-expensive-stadiums-top-ten/
  28. https://ntc-ksm.ru/en/projects/engineering-systems-monitoring-structural-health-monitoring-system-of-gazprom-arena-football-stadium-saint-petersburg/
  29. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/454409/fc-ural-ekaterinburg-zenit-st-petersburg
  30. https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2017/04/24/st-petersburg-stadium-debuts-work-progress/
  31. https://inside.fifa.com/news/saint-petersburg-stadium-all-you-need-to-know-2952454
  32. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37512625/2017-fifa-confederations-cup-group-stage-set-cameroon-anc-win
  33. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/468634/new-zealand-russia
  34. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-18/confederations-cup-russia-beats-new-zealand-2-0/8628428
  35. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40265144
  36. https://www.flashscore.com.au/match/football/new-zealand-rLctHkpU/russia-hrgrswHh/
  37. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/485905/germany-chile
  38. https://www.transfermarkt.com/chile/bilanzdetail/verein/3700
  39. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jul/02/chile-germany-confederations-cup-final-match-report
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/nov/30/russia-2018-world-cup-the-complete-guide-to-all-the-stadiums-venues
  41. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/world-cup-2018-stadium-guide-and-fixtures-for-each-venue-1.3507236
  42. https://tass.com/sports/1010222
  43. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/498186/egypt-russia
  44. https://talksport.com/football/373172/world-cup-2018-fixtures-results-games/
  45. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2018/06/01/fifa-world-cup-2018-schedule-fixtures-dates-start-times-tv-info/665987002/
  46. https://stadiumdb.com/tournaments/euro/2020/krestovskiy_stadion
  47. https://www.rbth.com/travel/333868-faq-how-to-attend-euro-2020
  48. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/2/spain-beat-swiss-3-1-on-penalties-to-reach-euro-2020-semi-finals
  49. https://worldofstadiums.com/europe/russia/gazprom-arena/
  50. https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/stats/_/id/2533/league/RUS.1/season/2017/view/performance
  51. https://www.transfermarkt.us/zenit-st-petersburg/besucherzahlenentwicklung/verein/964
  52. https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d514f3349544d35457a6333566d54/index.html
  53. https://www.transfermarkt.com/premierliga/besucherzahlen/wettbewerb/RU1
  54. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/495455/real-sociedad-zenit-st-petersburg
  55. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43136856
  56. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2025413--zenit-vs-molde/
  57. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2027044--zenit-vs-benfica/
  58. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2027084--zenit-vs-leipzig/
  59. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2027093--zenit-vs-lyon/
  60. https://stadiumbase.com/listing/krestovsky-stadium/
  61. https://documents.uefa.com/r/PxVtjcYr9Ntgwd0wYgq2xw/hWMQChkAvS~ZWg9TTwbQRg
  62. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298507-d12343875-Reviews-or20-Gazprom_Arena-St_Petersburg_Northwestern_District.html
  63. https://hello.fc-zenit.ru/en/faq/partial-mobility-groups-/
  64. https://footballgroundguide.com/leagues/europe-1/zenit-st-petersburg.html
  65. https://internationalsecurityjournal.com/dallmeier-gazprom-arena/
  66. https://hello.fc-zenit.ru/en/faq/during-the-match/
  67. https://guidetopetersburg.com/krestovsky-stadium-was-tested-by-emergency-exersises/
  68. https://stadiumdb.com/news/2018/02/st_petersburg_zenit_to_take_over_at_stadion_st_petersburg
  69. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37477597/st-petersburg-ready-world-cup-pitch-not
  70. https://www.playthegame.org/news/who-will-benefit-from-the-most-expensive-world-cup-ever/
  71. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2017/11/09/former-russian-governor-embroiled-in-world-cup-corruption-scheme-a59527
  72. https://www.vice.com/en/article/russian-official-charged-with-stealing-money-from-world-cup-stadium-project/
  73. https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/football/2017/Nov/09/former-russian-official-admits-world-cup-2018-corruption-in-court-1696302.html
  74. https://tass.com/russia/689350
  75. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/31/construction-workers-russian-world-cup-2018-stadium-not-paid
  76. https://josimar.no/artikler/the-slaves-of-st-petersburg/3851/
  77. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2017/07/20/bizarre-a58435
  78. https://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/mens-world-cup-2018-guide/corruption-and-politics-at-the-2018-world-cup-russia-under-the-spotlight/world-cup-meltdown-a-look-into-the-fraud-corruption-and-economic-strife-surrounding-russias-infrastructure-projects/
  79. https://apollomapping.com/blog/changing-landscape-krestovsky-stadium
  80. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/fifa-says-st-petersburg-pitch-damaged-but-being-prepped-for-confed-cup-final/z9erf785y
  81. https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/06/26/59513e3446163fce1c8b4579.html
  82. https://www.ft.com/content/236ba484-ace0-11e6-ba7d-76378e4fef24
  83. https://sportsandgeopolitics.substack.com/p/gazprom-between-football-and-geopolitcs
  84. https://victoryjournal.com/stories/putin-hacked-world-football/
  85. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-world-cup-sanctions/
  86. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/sports/soccer/uefa-will-strip-st-petersburg-of-champions-league-final.html
  87. https://en.as.com/en/2022/02/25/soccer/1645799949_862171.html
  88. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37625713/champions-league-final-moved-russia-amid-ukraine-tension-sources
  89. https://www.the-independent.com/sport/germany-gazprom-football-ad-russia-b2021320.html
  90. https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2022/03/unprecedented-football-sanctions-strip-russia-of-a-key-form-of-soft-power?lang=en
  91. https://www.wsj.com/sports/soccer/russia-ukraine-invasion-champions-league-putin-11645719011?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqezzas4RZ6pL5Ldmzx3qGcfXq8bWeL6hGuklsLaqjuhqzrkBxWauEll&gaa_ts=68fe2d83&gaa_sig=9kpsOADR7Hvu2mpabqNMPG9GHJiD8AaAUbVTe9xURcVqdjSnXlmhesG8PLTs9ru1_ABVFzJGpFbRsGOxv8risg%253D%253D%253D
  92. https://www.theeconomyjournal.eu/texto-diario/mostrar/1522249/the-economic-impact-of-the-russia-world-cup
  93. https://tass.com/sports/1014871
  94. https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/the-economics-of-the-fifa-world-cup-2018
  95. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2018/10/16/russia-received-15bln-windfall-from-world-cup-organizers-say-a63203
  96. https://stadiumdb.com/tournaments/world_cup/2018/saint_petersburg_stadium
  97. https://sportsvenuebusiness.com/2019/07/07/gazprom-arena-features-worlds-largest-led-ribbon/
  98. https://www.russian.taxi/football-in-st-petersburg/gazprom-arena-krestovsky-stadium
  99. https://historyofsports.de/krestovsky-stadium-russias-modern-sports-arena/
  100. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-18/socceroos-to-play-in-russias-billion-dollar-stadium-the-ufo/8625024
  101. https://worldinfootball.nl/krestovsky-stadium-and-its-socioeconomic-impact/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.