2017 WU Almaty: Construction of the Ice Palace completed

ALMATY – On the threshold of the celebration of the Astana Day (Astana – capital of Kazakhstan), construction of the main venue of the 2017 Winter Universiade  – Ice Palace with 12,000 seats located in the Alatau district has been completed.

It stands to note that the venue was commissioned 3 months ahead of schedule, despite the optimization of the budget from 32 to 17 billion tenge. Currently, the pre-commissioning activities are being conducted at the venue. During the construction, the share of the state fund exceeded 60% as it was reported during the retreat session, to the Mayor of Almaty Bauyrzhan Baibek.

The main part of the general improvement and landscaping of the venue has been completed. On the ground in front of the Ice Palace trees, flowers and lawn were planted. The adjacent site of the venue was improved in accordance with the unified concept for improvement of the city based on national character of the country. Thus, small architectural forms, litter bins and benches were decorated with ethnic ornamental patterns.

It is to be reminded that during the meeting dedicated to the Universiade in February, the Head of State Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that staging one of the largest sporting events must give a new impetus to the development of the city, improve its architectural image, improve provided services in hotels, restaurants, public transport and venues. Furthermore, the venues must be accessible for the public.

The Ice Palace with a 12,000 seating capacity is comprised of the multifunctional ice rinks with seating places for spectators designed for holding sporting events and training sessions for ice hockey, figure skating, short track as well as holding cultural events and public skating. The venue is comprised of three blocks; Block “A” – multifunctional ice rink with 12,000 seats; block “B” – training ice rink with a fitness and health complex and block “C” – swimming pool.

Furthermore, the Mayor was informed that all the venues of the Universiade will be commissioned in time. Currently, the Athletes’ Village with a 5,000 capacity and Ice arena with a 3,000 capacity are under construction.

(Source: Almaty 2017 OC)