2013 SU Update: First New Universiade Venue Officially Opened

On October 19, 2009, the sport complex ‘Zilant’, the first sport venue especially constructed for the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, was officially opened. The Opening Ceremony was attended by Mr. Mintimer SHAIMIEV, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mr. Aleksandr ABRAMOV, Aid to the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Rustam MINNIKHANOV, Prime-Minister of Tatarstan, Mr. Marat BARIEV, Minister on affairs of Youth, Sport and Tourism of Tatarstan, Mr. Ilsur METSHIN, Mayor of Kazan, Mr. Shafagat TAKHAUTDINOV, Head of OAO ‘TATNEFT’.

President Shaimiev surrounded by young ice hockey players

The construction of sport complex ‘Zilant’ began only one year ago. Investor of the construction of this first Universiade sport venue is OAO ‘Tatneft’. A budget of 360 million rubles was allocated by the Investor for the construction of the competition venue.

‘Zilant’ occupies a 10,000 sqm site area. The hall has a 1,000 seating capacity with an indoor ice rink (58x28m). The venue has its training hall and a warm-up area. The sport complex will be used by children sports clubs and youth sport schools practicing ice hockey and figure skating. During the 27th Summer Universiade the venue will host the volleyball competitions.

‘Zilant’ meets all the international requirements to host the Universiade volleyball competition with a ceiling height above 12.5 m. The sport complex is equipped with a room for Doping Control, a medical room, a commentator room etc. In the nearest future the venue will be used for junior competitions in ice hockey, figure skating, volleyball and basketball.

 Mr. Shaimiev, President of Tatarstan, Mr. Abramov, Aid to President of Russia and Mr. Metshin, Mayor of Kazan

Opening Ceremony of the venue