The Fisht Stadium in Sochi is one of the iconic sports facilities in Russia. It was specially built for the XXII Winter Olympic Games in 2014, and since then it has hosted important international competitions and major cultural events. As a result of the grandiose construction completed in 2014, Sochi received a modern arena that has become not only a venue for sports events, but also one of the favorite tourist attractions visited by thousands of guests every year. Now the Fisht Stadium is open for excursions and spectacular events, where everyone can enjoy the unique architecture and stunning views of the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains.

History

Construction began in 2007 to be completed by 2014. The main objectives were to create a safe and comfortable environment for athletes and spectators, as well as to minimize the environmental impact on the region. The arena was named after the mountain peak of the same name in the western part of the main Caucasian ridge, which means "white head" in Adyghe.

The British architects who worked on the stadium project were inspired by the majestic landscapes of the Caucasus and gave the building a shape reminiscent of the snow-capped Mount Fisht. This is one of the majestic peaks of the Caucasus ridge, rising three thousand meters and crowned with eternal snow. The Black Sea theme is also reflected in the arena's design: when viewed from above, the stadium resembles a seashell. The main feature of Fisht is its roof. Initially, the project included a view of the Greater Caucasus Mountains from the stands, but later it was decided to change the concept.

The general contractor for the construction was Ingeokom, and the project was led by Australian architect Damon Lavelle, known for his work in 2010 in Johannesburg.

The project was adjusted several times. Initially, the stadium was planned to look like a Faberge egg, but later the shape became smoother. During excavation work at the construction site, an abandoned cemetery was found, which was decided not to be demolished - it remained hidden behind screens in the center of the Olympic Park and is visible only from the air.

The total cost of construction was about 600 million dollars, the height of the building reaches 70 meters, and the dimensions of the field are 105 × 68 meters.

In order to prepare Fisht for hosting the Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Cup, reconstruction began and was completed in 2017. Initially, an interactive field was installed, equipped with 120 projectors to create visual effects. After the renovation, it was replaced with a standard football field. During the modernization, the Olympic decorations were removed, as well as the temporary central part of the roof. A new lawn appeared on the arena, which meets all the requirements for hosting football matches.

Since March 2017, the stadium has had a safety passport, which is a legal document confirming the readiness of the facility to receive fans and spectators. The document contains technical details regarding evacuation in case of emergencies, a scheme for extinguishing possible fires, as well as clear instructions on what to do in the event of an emergency.

The stadium was included in the reserve list of the Russian Premier League for the 2018/19 season. Outside of major sporting events, the stadium is used for concerts, shows and mass events. On normal days, it can hold up to 25,000 people, making it one of the largest in the region.

What to see

First of all, you should watch football at the Fisht Stadium. Sochi team matches are regularly held here, and tickets can be purchased even a few hours before the game starts — there are enough seats for everyone. The best view of the field opens from stands A and C.

Towards evening, the stadium is beautifully illuminated — this spectacle is no less impressive than sporting events. Don't miss the singing fountain show, which starts after nine in the evening. To the music of Russian composers, 264 water jets soar into the air to a height of 70 meters, creating a bright and colorful performance.

Nearby are such facilities as the Shayba Ice Arena, the Bolshoy Ice Palace, the Ice Cube Curling Center, the Iceberg Winter Sports Palace, and the Adler Arena Speed ​​Skating Center. All of these structures surround the Formula 1 tracks.

If you have time, take a stroll through the Olympic Park. Here you can find rides and exhibition halls.

Fisht Stadium at different times of the year

In winter, from December to April, football matches are not held at the Fisht Stadium. However, this is a great time for evening walks, when the lights are turned on, creating an impressive light show.

The Olympic Park is open for visitors even during the New Year holidays, although not all rides work in the cold months. Here you can enjoy the ice shows that take place at this time of year. In summer, the Fisht Stadium comes alive with sporting events, and the Olympic Park turns into a cozy place for walks. Here you can rent a bicycle or scooter, enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views. Particularly impressive angles of the stadium open up from the Medal Square and pedestrian bridges that cross the Formula 1 tracks. These places are ideal for photo shoots.

Walking along the embankment, you can discover picturesque beaches, cozy cafes and even cinemas. In close proximity to the stadium, on the first line by the sea, is the Mantera Supreme Hotel. This luxury hotel offers its guests not only high-class service and stylish rooms, but also unique recreational opportunities: 11 swimming pools with sea water surrounded by a subtropical park, a modern spa complex, 5 restaurants and 6 bars, a children's club. The atmosphere of coziness and hospitality here is combined with natural beauty, creating an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

How to get there

Address: Krasnodar Region, FZ "Sirius", urban-type settlement Sirius, Olympic Avenue, 15.

The easiest way to get to the Fisht stadium is by public transport. For those who prefer a personal car, there are paid parking lots. However, on match days, it is almost impossible to find free spaces. Free parking lots are located a little further - on Transportnaya Street and in Vinogradny Lane.

Bus

Routes #57, 125s, 135 and 100 stop on Olympic Avenue, right behind the stadium. They go back through the Olympic Park.

Electric train

Take to the Imeretinsky Kurort station, from where you can walk to the stadium. On match days, Lastochkas run every 10-15 minutes, and on regular days - every half hour. The trip from Sochi railway station will take about 45 minutes.

Today, the Fisht stadium in Sochi continues to host international competitions and large-scale cultural events. Outside of major events, it is open to visitors, and many tourists include it in their tours of the Olympic Park. Regardless of the time of year, the arena attracts attention not only with its history, but also with its architectural features. Photos taken against the backdrop of this structure often become favorites among city guests. Thanks to convenient transport links and affordable ticket prices, visiting the Fisht stadium is easy and exciting for everyone.