FIFA World Cup 2018 Venue Guide: Volgograd Arena

The arena is located not far from the famous Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex.

As anticipation builds ahead of the arrival of supporters in June to watch the best players on the planet vie for the game's most coveted Trophy, FIFA continues its series introducing fans to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ venues. Today we present the Volgograd Arena, the brand-new facility that staged the Russian Cup Final just a few days ago.

Matches

The Volgograd Arena is hosting four matches in the group stage at Russia 2018, including England's opening game against Tunisia on 18 June.

Capacity

During the World Cup, the Volgograd Arena will have a maximum capacity of 45,000 spectators.

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Location

The new World Cup venue in Volgograd was built on the site of the old Central Stadium, not far from the Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex. The location of the former stadium is something of a footballing Mecca for supporters in the city, many of whom still remember the victorious two-legged tie against Manchester United in 1995 and the battles with Spartak Moscow for the league title from the same decade.

Did you know?

An openwork wicker-themed construction comprises the façade that surrounds the Volgograd Arena and gives a sense of its monumental scale. The stadium has an airy feel thanks to its unique roof, which was made from stay cables that resemble the spokes of a bicycle wheel.

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First matches

The first few games held at the newly constructed Volgograd Arena took place during April and May. On 21 April, Rotor Volgograd welcomed Luch Energiya from Vladivostok and then Krylia Sovetov from Samara two and a half weeks later. On 9 May, there was a near sell-out at the stadium for the Russian Cup Final, in which FC Tosno from Leningrad Oblast beat Avangard Kursk 2-1.

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Legacy

After the World Cup, local club Rotor plan to move in permanently to the Volgograd Arena, which will also stage a whole variety of public events in the future.