Megasport Arena

Megasport Arena. It is a major multi-purpose indoor arena located in the Khodynka Field area of Moscow, serving as a premier venue for international ice hockey, figure skating, and large-scale concerts. Opened in 2006, the arena was constructed to replace the historic Luzhniki Palace of Sports and has since become a central hub for major sporting and cultural events in the Russian capital. Owned by the Government of Moscow, it is a key facility for clubs like HC CSKA Moscow and has hosted prestigious tournaments including the IIHF World Championship and the Euroleague Final Four.

History

The decision to construct a new arena was driven by the need for a modern facility to host the 2007 IIHF World Championship, as the aging Luzhniki Palace of Sports was deemed insufficient. Construction began in 2005 on the historic Khodynka Field, an area with deep ties to Russian aviation and former site of the Central Airfield. The arena was completed in a remarkably short timeframe, officially opening in December 2006 with a gala event featuring performances by renowned artists like Alla Pugacheva. It immediately succeeded the Luzhniki Palace of Sports as the home venue for HC CSKA Moscow and began its tenure by successfully hosting the 2007 IIHF World Championship, a pivotal moment for Russian ice hockey. Subsequent years saw the arena undergo several renovations to enhance its infrastructure and fan experience, solidifying its status within the Moscow sports landscape.

Architecture and facilities

Designed by the architectural firm SPEECH, the arena's exterior features a distinctive modern glass and steel facade, creating a luminous landmark within the Khodynka Field district. The interior is configured with a central bowl offering unobstructed sightlines, capable of transforming between configurations for ice hockey, basketball, tennis, and concert stages. Key facilities include premium corporate hospitality suites, a dedicated press center for media covering events like the Euroleague Final Four, and extensive back-of-house areas for production teams. The ice-making system meets the stringent standards of the International Ice Hockey Federation, while the arena floor can be covered for events such as the Kremlin Cup or exhibitions by global stars like Madonna.

Events

The arena has hosted a diverse array of prestigious international competitions and entertainment spectacles. In sports, it was a primary venue for the 2007 IIHF World Championship, the 2011 IIHF World Championship, and the 2016 IIHF World Championship, as well as the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships. It has regularly staged the Euroleague Final Four in basketball and served as a home court for PBC CSKA Moscow. Major concerts have featured legendary performers including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, and Rammstein, alongside large-scale family shows and corporate conventions. The venue also hosted competition during the 2019 World Adaptive Ice Hockey Championship and the gala ceremonies for the 2018 IIHF World Championship.

Management and operations

The arena is owned by the Government of Moscow and operated under the auspices of the city's Moscow Sports and Entertainment Department. Day-to-day management involves coordinating with major tenant clubs like HC CSKA Moscow and PBC CSKA Moscow, as well as international promoters such as Live Nation and AEG Presents. Operations are geared towards hosting complex event turnovers, managing large-scale security protocols in coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Russia), and maintaining the versatile infrastructure. The business model relies on a mix of rent from sports franchises, revenue sharing from ticket sales for concerts and family shows, and income from corporate hospitality and naming rights partnerships.

Transportation and access

The arena is situated in a well-connected part of northwestern Moscow, near the Begovaya and Polezhaevskaya stations on the Moscow Metro. The Khoroshyovo District is also served by numerous bus and trolleybus routes, facilitating access from across the city. For major events, additional public transport services are coordinated by the Moscow Department of Transport. The proximity to the Third Ring Road and Leningradsky Prospekt provides direct road access for private vehicles, with the arena complex including substantial parking facilities. Its location near the Khodynka Field exhibition center and the Otkrytiye Arena creates a concentrated hub for large-scale events in the capital. Category:Indoor arenas in Moscow Category:Sports venues completed in 2006 Category:Ice hockey venues in Russia