2013 SU Update: Six New Venues Opened in Kazan

On December 21st, 2009, the First Vice Prime-Minister of the Russian Federation, Mr. Igor SHUVALOV and President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mr. Mintimer SHAIMIEV attended the Opening Ceremony of six new sport venues built especially for the 2013 Universiade and the Ceremony celebrating the Year of Sport and a healthy life-style in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2009.

The ceremony took place at the Wrestling Palace “Ak Bars”, which was also opened last Autumn. The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Rustan MINNIKHANOV, Prime-Minister of Tatarstan, Mr. Marat BARIEV, Minister of Youth, Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mr. Ilsur METSHIN, Mayor of Kazan, Mr. Oleg MATYTSIN, FISU Assessor and President of RSSU and other officials.

According to Mr. Vladimir LEONOV, Director General of Executive Directorate of the 2013 Universiade, these six venues, with a total cost of 1.2 billion rubles allocated from the Federal Budget, meet all FISU requirements. “These all-purpose venues will host ice hockey in the winter and futsal, volleyball and basketball competitions in the summer. These arenas can easily transform to hold cultural events as well. During the 2013 Universiade these venues will serve as training halls for basketball, volleyball and water polo. Considering the fact that 10 venues for the 2013 Universiade were already put into operation this year, 26 more venues will be constructed before the Games.”

On-line broadcasting from the six new venues was organized during the Opening Ceremony in the Wrestling Palace. After a solemn speech by Mr. Igor SHUVALOV and Mr. Mintimer SHAIMIEV, VIP-guests opened the six Universiade venues by pushing a symbolic button.

It should be noted that the names of the new Sport Complexes were chosen by the citizens of the Republic of Tatarstan in the frame of a contest.

Sport complexes “Vatan” (Chyikova str.) and “Triumph” (Koshevogo str.) are multi-functional sport halls with a total area of 4,000 sqm and a 300-seating capacity. The sport venues consist of an indoor sport hall with ice freezing option (58×28 m), gym, fitness hall, sauna, sport shop, café and offices.

Sport complex “Forward” (Khimikov str.) is a multi-functional sport hall with a total area of 3999.68 sqm and a 300-seating capacity. This sport venue can be used for winter and summer sports having a sport hall with ice freezing option (58×28 m), gym, fitness hall, sauna, sport shop, café and offices.

Sport complex “Itil” (Daurskaya str.) is situated on the campus of the Kazan State University of Culture and Fine Arts. Total area is 1,248.07 sqm. The venue will serve for student sport. It consists of a sport hall (36х18 m), medical center and offices.

Sport center “Ak Bure” (Vagapova str.) is situated in the Azino district of Kazan where some 79,000 people live. It will become a unique sport center with an indoor swimming pool, indoor ice rink and multi-functional sports hall. Total area is 3575.95 sqm, pool size is 25×16 m, pool for kids 12x6m.

Sport complex “Tulpar” (“Pegasus”) (Fermskoe shosse str.) is situated on the campus of the Kazan State Agricultural University in the south-west of Kazan. Total area is 6196.3 sqm with a 1,000-seating capacity. The venue consists of a sports hall (66x33m), gym, boxing hall, wrestling hall, medical center and offices.

President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mr. Mintimer SHAIMIEV and First Vice Prime-Minister of the Russian Federation, Mr. Igor SHUVALOV push the button

Live broadcasting of the ceremony