1st stone laid of 7,000 Capacity Platinum Arena in Krasnoyarsk

KRASNOYARSK – On 29 October, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Platinum Arena sports complex, which is to be built for the 29th Winter Universiade Krasnoyarsk 2019 took place on the Krasnoyarsk’s right bank.  An ice hockey rink will be built on the right bank, near the fourth bridge over the Yenisey.

The first symbolic brick wall of the future arena was laid by the Aide to the President of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District Nikolay Rogozhkin, the FISU 1st Vice-President Oleg Matytsin, Governor of the territory Viktor Tolokonsky, Director General of ‘Russian Platinum’ LLC Yevgeniy Vorobeychik, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory Alexander Uss and Head of the city of Krasnoyarsk Edkham Akbulatov.

The Platinum Arena is a multi-level, multi-functional sports and entertainment complex with an ice arena that can accommodate 7,000 spectators, with a total area of 22,500 sq m. During the Winter Universiade Krasnoyarsk 2019, the men’s ice hockey tournament will be held in the arena. The construction agreement of the venue was signed in April of this year between the Government of the Territory and the company ‘Russian Platinum’. In accordance with the agreement, the company assumes responsibility for the costs of the design and construction of the sports complex. The company’s Director General, Yevgeniy Vorobeychik, told that construction will be carried out to schedule – by the end of 2017.

“I very much hope that in two years’ time, I will be able to arrive directly at the opening of the arena,” the Aide to the President of Russia Igor Levitin said after the ceremony. “In general, I want to say that preparations for the Winter Universiade Krasnoyarsk 2019 are well under way – work is being carried out according to plan, and there are currently no delays to the schedule.”

Governor Viktor Tolokonsky in turn, expressed his gratitude to ‘Russian Platinum’, which will build the venue. “In today’s tough economic times, the company is making such a valuable gift to the region. And I’m not just talking about the cost of the complex, but also about its importance for the citizens, for the Winter Universiade Krasnoyarsk 2019, and for encouraging our young people to get into a sporty lifestyle. Along with the construction of the Arena, the embankment area around the venue will be greatly improved, utilities systems for future buildings in this district will be installed, and much more. Yes, there is a lot of work ahead, but we are ready to tackle it head on,” said Viktor Tolokonsky.

According to representatives of ‘Russian Platinum’, the selection of the site for the venue’s construction was largely due to the fact that the 4th bridge over the Yenisey River was built in the immediate vicinity. Today the opening of this transport corridor took place. The bridge will connect the Winter Universiade Krasnoyarsk 2019 venues on the left and right banks.

“FISU and the Russian Student Sports Union, which I am representing today, is calling for the venue to stand out not only during the Winter Universiade Krasnoyarsk 2019, although it is certainly the most important venue of the upcoming University Games, but for it to leave a legacy after the Winter Universiade-2019, so that children come here to play sport, so that competitions are held here. This is one of the brightest chapters in the history of the city. ‘Russian platinum’ is not only a social partner, but also the social guarantor of interaction with the regional government and the city administration. This is very important, especially now,” said FISU 1st Vice-President Oleg Matytsin.

A blue print is set to be implemented, which allows the sports venue to be quickly transformed into an exhibition hall and concert venue.

“It is primarily intended for winter sports competitions: figure skating, ice hockey, short track. There is also the possibility of transforming this venue for mass cultural events. It is a modern complex, which offers the best approach, accessibility for people with disabilities, and the stands have been designed for optimum comfort. The complex is built using the company’s means only. Investment will come to about 3 billion roubles,” said Director General of ‘Russian Platinum’ Yevgeniy Vorobeychik.

(Source: Krasnoyarsk OC 2019)