These Beautiful Stadiums Are Hosting Russia's 2017 Confederations Cup
Before every World Cup soccer competition, the host country must put together a smaller tournament exactly one year in advance of what is called the biggest single sporting event on the planet. The competition, which is known as the Confederations Cup and consists of eight teams, acts as a tune-up for the main event the following year. And since the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be in Russia, they are currently in the midst of hosting the nations of Germany, Cameroon, Chile, Mexico, Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand. Much as Brazil experienced when it staged the 2014 World Cup , Russia is expecting to accommodate millions of visitors from across the globe. In total, roughly 3.43 million spectators attended the 64 games in arenas throughout Brazil. If Russia is to entertain similar numbers, the success of year's Confederations Cup is ever the more important. Below, AD surveys the interiors and exteriors of the four stadiums hosting this summer's tournament. They will be part of the total of 12 venues that will seat the millions of fans traveling to Russia next summer to see the best soccer players in the world compete for national pride and international glory.
Kazan Arena
Completed in July 2013 for roughly $450 million, Kazan Arena was designed by the New York–based architecture firm Populous.
Kazan Arena
The stadium, which holds a capacity of 45,379, is the home of Russian club side FC Rubin Kazan.
Krestovsky Stadium
Located in Saint Petersburg is Krestovsky Stadium, a roughly $1.4 billion structure designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.
Krestovsky Stadium
Typically, the stadium can hold 68,000 people. But for the World Cup, capacity will jump to 80,000. The venue is the home field of Russian club FC Zenit St. Petersburg.
Otkrytiye Arena
This $430 million stadium, which was completed as a collaboration between American-based engineering firm AECOM and British architecture firm Dexter Moren Associates, is located in Moscow.
Otkrytiye Arena
Completed in 2014, the stadium can hold 45,360. Not only is it the home field of Russian club team FC Spartak Moscow but it's also considered the home stadium of the Russian national soccer team.
Fisht Stadium
Designed by American firm Populous, Fisht Stadium is an open-air venue located in Sochi.
Fisht Stadium
The 40,000-capacity stadium was originally constructed for the 2014 Winter Olympics, which was held in Russia. When the World Cup kicks off, however, the seating capacity will bump up to around 47,660.