VEB Arena

VEB Arena
source
Name	VEB Arena
Location	Moscow, Russia
Broke ground	2015
Opened	2018
Owner	CSKA Moscow
Operator	CSKA Moscow
Surface	Hybrid grass
Architect	Dmitry Bush
Tenants	PFC CSKA Moscow
Seating capacity	30,457

VEB Arena. It is the home stadium of the professional football club PFC CSKA Moscow, serving as a modern replacement for their historic Luzhniki Stadium and Lokomotiv Stadium grounds. Opened in 2018, the venue is a centerpiece of a larger urban redevelopment project on the site of the former B. V. Khryunov Garden in the Aeroport District of Moscow. The arena is named for its primary sponsor, the state development corporation Vnesheconombank, and has hosted matches for the Russia national football team and major European club competitions.

History

The project to construct a new home for PFC CSKA Moscow was initiated after years of the club lacking a permanent, modern stadium, having shared facilities like the Luzhniki Stadium with other Moscow teams. Construction began in 2015 on the territory of the former B. V. Khryunov Garden, a historic park that had fallen into disrepair, as part of a broader agreement between the club, the Moscow Government, and Vnesheconombank. The stadium's inauguration took place in September 2018 with a friendly match between PFC CSKA Moscow and the Red Star Belgrade, symbolizing a new era for the Russian Premier League side. The development faced scrutiny from local preservation groups concerned about the loss of green space, leading to compromises that included the creation of new public park areas surrounding the venue.

Architecture and facilities

Designed by architect Dmitry Bush, the stadium features a distinctive elliptical form and a translucent polycarbonate facade that is illuminated at night. The roof is a cable-stayed structure, providing an unobstructed view for all spectators in the 30,457-seat bowl, which meets the highest UEFA category 4 standards. The playing surface utilizes a state-of-the-art Hybrid grass system, combining natural turf with synthetic fibers for enhanced durability. Facilities include extensive corporate hospitality areas, a museum dedicated to the history of CSKA Moscow, and a multifunctional complex with retail and commercial spaces integrated into the structure, supporting the club's operations beyond matchdays.

Major events

Beyond hosting the home matches of PFC CSKA Moscow in the Russian Premier League and UEFA Champions League, the arena was a selected venue for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, though it ultimately did not host matches due to the event's postponement and subsequent relocation of games from Russia. It has staged several fixtures for the Russia national football team, including UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying matches against teams like Scotland and Cyprus. The stadium has also been used for major concerts by international artists such as Rammstein and The Weeknd, leveraging its modern infrastructure for large-scale entertainment events outside of football.

Sports teams

The primary and sole permanent tenant of the venue is PFC CSKA Moscow, one of the most successful clubs in Russian football history, having won multiple Russian Premier League titles and the UEFA Cup in 2005. The stadium serves as the headquarters for all of the club's professional football activities, with dedicated training facilities located at their base in Khimki. While the arena is designed specifically for football, it has been configured to host other sporting events, including potential rugby union matches, though it remains the dedicated home for the Army Men.

Transportation and access

The arena is situated in the Aeroport District of northwestern Moscow, with excellent connectivity via the city's Moscow Metro system. The nearest station is CSKA metro station, located directly beneath the stadium complex and opened concurrently with the venue as part of the Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line. Additional access is provided by several major roadways, including Leningradsky Prospekt and the Third Ring Road, while dedicated parking is available for spectators. The integrated transport hub facilitates efficient movement for the large crowds attending events, linking seamlessly with the broader Moscow Central Circle railway network.

Category:Football venues in Moscow Category:CSKA Moscow Category:Buildings and structures in Moscow