Tsentralnyi Stadion – design description

What is the new stadium project in Voronezh like, in brief?

The construction of a new stadium in Voronezh is set to be the largest stadium investment in Russia since preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The project is being carried out by a company that participated in the construction of several venues for that tournament.

The modern, football-specific arena, with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, will be built on the site of the Tsentralnyi Stadion Profsoyuzov. The building will form a compact, rectangular volume, covered by a white roof and a semi-transparent facade.

How was the plan for the new stadium in Voronezh developed?

For many years, the main sports venue in Voronezh was the Tsentralnyi Stadion Profsoyuzov. The stadium was originally built in the interwar period and acquired its final shape after a reconstruction carried out in the 1980s. It was located a short distance from the railway station and the city center. In the 21st century, the condition of the venue gradually deteriorated.

In 2022, after more than two decades, the football club Fakel Voronezh returned to the Russian Premier League. That same year, the Voronezh regional authorities leased the stadium from the regional trade union council, and a year later purchased it for 200 million rubles with the aim of carrying out a thorough renovation.

Who designed the new stadium in Voronezh?

The design contract for the redevelopment of Tsentralnyi Stadion was awarded to the Moscow-based Arena Design Institute. The firm had previously been involved in the design of Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg and some other venues that hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Ultimately, instead of modernizing the old stadium, it was decided to demolish the Tsentralnyi Stadion Profsoyuzov and build a new, modern, football-specific arena on the same site.

Where will Fakel Voronezh play during the redevelopment of the Tsentralnyi Stadion?

Even before any steps were taken to redevelop the Tsentralnyi Stadion Profsoyuzov, the Voronezh regional authorities launched a separate project: the construction of the new Fakel Stadium in the southwest part of the city.

Work began at the end of 2021 with the demolition of the old stadium that previously occupied the site. The new Fakel Stadium was completed in summer 2024. The venue has a capacity of 10,000 and meets all league standards, allowing it to host matches during the redevelopment of the Tsentralnyi Stadion.

The club moved to the new stadium immediately after its completion and has played there since the 2024/25 season. Ultimately, however, the club is expected to return to its former location once the new arena replacing the Tsentralnyi Stadion Profsoyuzov is finished.

When will the new stadium in Voronezh be built?

The contract for the demolition of the old Tsentralnyi Stadion was awarded in October 2025. The task was assigned to Stroyengineering. Demolition began on 1 December 2025, although preparatory work had already started in November.

The dismantling of the old stadium is expected to be completed no later than April 2026. Construction of the new arena is set to start immediately afterward and is expected to be ready by the end of 2029. The investment is estimated at over 18 billion rubles.

What does the new stadium project in Voronezh involve?

The new stadium will be built on the site of the old Tsentralnyi Stadion Profsoyuzov. Unlike its predecessor, it will be a football-specific arena, without an athletics track. The final name of the stadium will be decided after consultations with the fans.

The venue will have a capacity of 25,000 and will be equipped with modern technologies. The stands will be fully covered, and the exterior will be protected by a white, translucent facade, harmonizing with the roof design.

The project will be the largest stadium investment in Russia since the stadium boom associated with preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.