Achmat Arena – stadium description

The controversial Chechen leader who was killed in a terrorist act inside one of Grozny’s stadium back in 2004 has now received an arena of his name. His son, the current president, was among the initiators of the project. Construction took over 2 years and ended in Spring 2011. When inauguration took place, the president himself played a friendly game with teammates of the Caucasus XI. Their rivals represented the rest of the World with Figo, Maradona and Ayala among others on the pitch.

The venue stands in the place of an older stadium, dating back to 1946. Since the opening it’s been home to Terek, the largest club of Grozny that previously played at a different location. Stands can accommodate 30 597 fans and are divided into two parts. First and tallest is the 2-tiered main stand with luxurious infrastructure. Most fans however are seated in the remaining three stands that are U-shaped.