Boris Alexandrov Ice Palace

The Boris Alexandrov Ice Palace The facade, renewed in 2011–2012, presents a modern face to Ust-Kamenogorsk, but the structure inside holds a claim to architectural rarity. It was the first sports facility in Kazakhstan to use 64-meter span trusses for its roof. The building is now owned by Kazzinc, the local metallurgical combine.

What makes the venue distinct is the inclusion of a training rink alongside the main arena. This allows the primary tenant, HC Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk, to maintain a rigorous schedule without leaving the complex. The capacity of 4,400 reflects a decision made during the 2001 rebuild by Kazzinc to prioritise comfort over sheer numbers, a shift from the original 5,200 seats. The surface is natural ice, kept frozen by the cold that defines this city, rather than an artificial substitute.

The building was opened on December 31, 1968, nearly four years after construction began. It has seen the local team play through various iterations of the league, including when they were known as Kazzinc-Torpedo. The venue also hosted the 2017 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship Grand Final, a moment that brought a different kind of crowd to the stands. A statue of a hockey player stands outside, a silent reminder of the sport that keeps the ice cold and the lights on.

The architecture does not hide its purpose. The large glass panels reflect the sky and the surrounding city, making the building feel open even when the doors are closed. The interior layout, designed to accommodate both hockey and volleyball, has been maintained through the years, ensuring that the space remains versatile. The rebuilding project in 2001 did not change this fundamental design, only the amenities within it. The arena remains a central part of Ust-Kamenogorsk's sporting life, a place where the community gathers to watch the games that define the winter season.