Kazan Arena

The Ak Bars Arena is the name used today, a change that followed a partnership with a local bank, but the building itself has remained largely unchanged since it was built for a global tournament.

The ground was designed to host major events, which is evident in the wide plazas and ramps visible around the perimeter. The architecture was a collaboration between an American firm and a Russian institute. The playing surface is natural grass, which has been replaced several times to meet international standards, including before a high-profile Europa League tie against Liverpool.

Time on this ground is marked by large tournaments rather than local rivalries alone. It hosted a quarter-final of the 2018 World Cup, a match that saw Belgium defeat Brazil.

Renovations were focused on the pitch and the surrounding landscape rather than the structure. This approach meant that while the surface was upgraded to handle the climate and the play, the visual identity of the arena remained consistent.