In late 2015 they only had the foundation slab. Now, after just over 6 months, the stands able to hold 45,000 people are already in place. Time for other parts of the project to grow.

Yes, Russian stadia are battling serious issues regarding cost and time. But at the moment let’s focus on a much brighter and impressive subject. Stroytransgaz, the general contractor of Volgograd Arena, has confirmed several hours ago that all of the reinforced concrete seating bowl is now in place.

That’s a tremendous achievement if you follow our construction photo gallery regularly. By late 2015 they only had the foundation slab ready and actual works on the stands began in 2016. It may not have been just 6 months as Stroytransgaz claim, but really not much longer than that. Primary structure was built with 10,000 m³ of concrete and will be able to hold 45,000 people in as many as 64 rows.

© Stroytransgaz

© Stroytransgaz

Now works are moving into other areas. One of them, perhaps most spectacular, is ongoing around the perimeter of the stadium. Steel frames of the future façade are being fitted, each weighing 25-65 tons. These works are 15% ready as most workers are moving underneath the stands to deliver masonry, sanitary and electrical works, among others.

The stadium in Volgograd will be ready by late November 2017. Total value of the project is set at RUB 16.37 billion ($254 million).

© Stroytransgaz