Borisov Arena – stadium description

International success brought BATE Borisov to the spotlight, but also caused concerns over where the club should play during European competition games. Decision was thus made to build a brand new arena and works were expected to begin in November 2010.

The groundbreaking date proved impossible to keep and was delayed by a year. Once construction started it also proved problematic to deliver the stadium in time. It was due in the summer of 2013, later in November and finally saw the official opening on May 3, 2014. On that day the domestic cup final was played, ironically without the home team for whom the new arena was built. BATE moved in one week later.

Designed by Slovenian Ofis Arkitekti, the stadium is located south-west of Borisov, near the road to Minsk. It’s surrounded with pine forest and emerges from the ground like an amorphous blob. In reality the outer shell is fully symmetric, but irregular holes in the façade make an impression of undefined shape. Inside the single-tiered stands are equipped with uniquely-coloured seats and accessible from a promenade surrounding the whole stadium. Four gates/ramps lead to the promenade, each located in one corner. Player and VIP access is located near the main grandstand.