Samara Stadium

Cosmos Arena^[1] is a description of a proposed football stadium which will be built in Samara, Russia in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It will also host FC Krylia Sovetov Samara of the Russian Premier League, replacing Metallurg Stadium. It will have a capacity of 44,918 spectators.^[2] Samara authorities announced their design tender in late 2012^[3] with cost estimated at $320 million.

Location

In the initial bid submitted to FIFA new stadium was to be built on an island south of the city,^[4] where almost no settlements or infrastructure exist. There wasn't even a bridge leading there at that time. This caused criticism and so the stadium was relocated up north, to be built within city limits. Initially its area was planned to be 27 ha, but it was changed to 240 ha, and then up to 930 ha^[5] The decision to enlarge the complex area was taken before any consultation with Samara citizens. Most of the constructions planned on the enlarged area has no relation the sports.^[6]

Note that area of the biggest sports complex in Russia - Luzhniki Olympic Complex^[7] - is 180 ha, the FIFA norms are 18-24 ha.

References

Coordinates: 53°16′40″N 50°14′15″E / 53.27778°N 50.23750°E / 53.27778; 50.23750