Almaty Central Stadium

This is a ground that has seen its playing surface transformed from standard grass to a hybrid system, a change implemented to meet international standards.

What strikes a visitor is the contrast between the grey concrete and the bright yellow and green seats that fill the stands. The current turf is maintained by a computerized system for irrigation and heating, a technical upgrade that sits beneath the older architecture.

The stadium was originally designed with a capacity of 30,000, but the current configuration holds fewer spectators. This shift occurred when wooden benches were swapped for individual plastic seats, a move that prioritised comfort and safety over raw numbers. The pitch itself is a hybrid of natural grass and synthetic fibre, a surface designed to withstand heavy use while maintaining quality.

The building has been designated as an architectural monument, a status that likely influenced the careful approach taken during recent updates. The original plan for the complex was vast, but the stadium remains the central feature, owned by the city authorities.