VVA-Podmoskovye

The ground at Novinskoye Highway, Building 9, is situated in the Monino settlement. The site holds a long history of sport that predates the current structure, yet the arena itself is a new build. The old facility, known locally as the Monino Stadium, was a modest affair built in the 1960s with a capacity of roughly 1,500. It served the Gagarin Air Force Academy for decades before being replaced.

The current stadium is a product of a long-delayed state project. Construction began in 2009, but the venue did not open until April 2026. It is a fully seated, modern arena designed exclusively for rugby. The playing surface is natural grass, fitted with a heating system. The capacity stands at 7,416, a figure often rounded in press reports but precise in the official records. Four spectator stands surround the pitch.

The ground is home to Rugby Club VVA-Podmoskovye, an institution associated with the academy. The club has existed since 1967, but the current stadium is not theirs in the old sense. The opening ceremony featured the Russian Rugby Super Cup, where Dynamo Moscow faced Strela-Ak Bars. That match drew 5,957 spectators, setting a new attendance record for the competition. The venue hosts regional and all-Russian rugby competitions, keeping the sport central to its purpose. It does not host concerts or other events, maintaining its focus on the game.

The site is not a football ground. The facility is dedicated solely to rugby union. The old stadium’s legacy remains in the local memory, but the new arena is a distinct entity, built for a specific purpose and opened after years of waiting.