Their local team just earned promotion to the Premier League, not mentioning the upcoming 2018 World Cup. Saransk is doing a whole lot for the city of its modest size. FIFA has just visited and admires progress made. Now we can as well.

Along Vladimir Putin’s declarations and “Russia Business Week” calculations, average worth of 2018 World Cup stadiums should be around 10 bln ruble (app. $300m). This is exactly at what level Saransk’s new stadium is estimated at. However it won’t be fully financed by the central government as central budget for 2012 and 2013 plans only some $30m for the project.

A lot to bare then for a city of Saransk’s size, with just over 300,000 citizens. Especially that they’re building a stadium for 44,000 people (other numbers give it 46,000).

Neither Saransk, nor the local side FK Mordovia need that kind of size. This is why a decrease in capacity is planned after the tournament of 2018 is over. The ground should then have 28,000 seats and in place of those removed a promenade with leisure and commercial functions will be created, giving a great view of the stadium on non-matchdays.

Interestingly, the SaranskGrazhdanProekt architects have modified their initial vision in recent months, changing the neutral cladding colours to more dynamic and representing the major colour of Mordovia region, red.

Construction started in mid-2011 and should end in 2013. The latter date may be subject to change, though, especially with FIFA deadlines being far from that date. day-to-day use will be provided by FK Mordovia who just last season won promotion to the Premier Liga.