Krestovsky Stadium, also known as Gazprom Arena, stands as a testament to modern architectural innovation and engineering prowess. Located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, this stadium was designed by the renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa. Its construction journey was marked by numerous challenges and milestones, ultimately leading to its role as a key venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Design and Planning
The architectural design of Krestovsky Stadium was inspired by Kisho
Kurokawa's concept known as "The Spaceship." This design is a modified and enlarged version of the Toyota Stadium in Toyota City, Japan, which Kurokawa also designed. The stadium was planned to replace the former Kirov Stadium, which was demolished to make way for this new structure. The planning phase began in 2005, setting the stage for what would become one of the most expensive stadiums ever built.
The stadium's design features a retractable roof and pitch, allowing it to adapt to various events and weather conditions. Its capacity was increased from 56,196 seats to 68,000 seats specifically for the World Cup, ensuring it could accommodate the large crowds expected during the tournament. Additionally, the stadium boasts 104 luxuriously designed skyboxes, offering premium viewing experiences.
Construction Challenges
Construction of Krestovsky Stadium began in late 2008, but the journey was far from smooth. Initially funded by Gazprom, the project faced financial hurdles when the company decided to redirect its investment to a separate skyscraper project. Consequently, the city government of Saint Petersburg had to step in to fund the stadium's construction.
Further complications arose in 2016 when the general contractor, Inzhtransstroy-Spb, halted work due to unpaid construction fees by the city authorities. This led to the termination of their contract, and a new contractor, Metrostroy, resumed work later that year. Despite these setbacks, construction was completed in April 2017, with the total cost amounting to 24 billion rubles.
Opening and Legacy
Krestovsky Stadium officially opened in 2017, just in time for the FIFA Confederations Cup. The first official match held at the stadium was a Russian Premier League game between Zenit Saint Petersburg and Ural, marking the beginning of its legacy as a premier sports venue.
During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the stadium hosted seven matches, including a semi-final and the third-place match. Its role in the tournament solidified its status as a world-class venue. Beyond football, the stadium has hosted other events, such as a record-setting ice hockey match and concerts, showcasing its versatility and importance in the cultural landscape of Saint Petersburg.
