Zenit Arena – construction description

Construction of a new central stadium for Saint Petersburg started in December 2006, several months after the international design competition. Initial plan was to build a structure for 62,000 people by late 2008, but this timeline soon proved unrealistic.

To show how far from reality it was, let’s just say that by 2012 even the project documentation wasn’t finished. Complete redesign of stands (both shape and capacity) and retractable roof forced numerous amendments and even demolition of already erected construction elements.

Along with massive delays came cost inflation and harsh criticism of the municipal authorities, accused of insufficient control over the project and even corruption. Eventually, after almost 6 years of works and barely 50% built, the city lost all federal grants and was left on its own.

Currently there is no deadline for the structure. It should be built in 2016, but other estimates give as late as 2017 as the final delivery of the venue.