Moscow Welcomes Fans of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™

(Source: Moscow City Government)

Moscow is a primary host city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. It will host 8 out of 48 group-stage matches. The Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will host the final match of the World Cup. Moscow will experience the greatest football event in its history.

Arranging a sport festival of this level is not only a privilege but also a challenge. Over the last seven years, Moscow has done everything possible and even more. The Luzhniki and Spartak stadiums have been brought into compliance with all FIFA regulations and can in truth be ranked among the best stadiums in the world.

The transport infrastructure has been improved, new hotels have been built, and the organizers have made sure that World Cup guests will be able to enjoy their leisure time and have resolved all questions related to the security of the event.

Official Mascot

(Source: Moscow City Government)

Chosen by a popular vote, a wolf named Zabivaka™ will be the official mascot of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. It was created by Yekaterina Bocharova, a student from Tomsk State University. The vote was held in three stages with more than a million fans involved. The winning mascot was presented live on the TV show Evening Urgant (Channel One Russia).

Venues

(Source: Moscow City Government)

The decision to build the country’s main stadium was made in response to the success of Soviet athletes in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. The second place in the medal table was a serious achievement, but to build on that success, a major sports complex needed to be built. It was designed in just three months. The nationwide construction project was completed at a record pace, between the spring of 1955 and the summer of 1956. It was opened as the Central Lenin Stadium on 31 July

Location: 24 Luzhnetskaya Embankment,

Khamovniki District

Works: reconstruction (2017)

Capacity: 80,000 spectators

Team: Russia National Team

(Source: Moscow City Government)

The most dramatic thing about this stadium is the fact that it very nearly failed to get built. The most popular club in the country, FC Spartak Moscow, just could not find a home arena. For almost 80 years, the Red and- Whites had to use someone else’s stadiums. The foundation stone laying ceremony took place only in 2007.

However, the fans of the “people’s team” had to wait for seven more long years.

The opening was postponed for bureaucratic and financial reasons. In the meantime, the construction costs considerably increased.

Location: Tushino Airfield

Works: construction (2014)

Capacity: 45,000 spectators

Teams: FC Spartak Moscow and the Russia National Team

FIFA Fan Fest™

Regardless of the outcome of the game, fans from different countries want to support their teams and enjoy the football festival. They are provided with everything they need to do so at the FIFA Fan Fest™ – a specifically designated venue with live broadcasts of World Cup matches, as well as concerts and entertainment programs.

In Moscow, the organizers decided to set up a fan zone on Vorobyovy Gory (“Sparrow Hills”). Before the 1917 revolution this was a popular location for Muscovites’ summer cottages, and they would come here to get away from the city. In Soviet times, the place was called “Lenin Hills”. In 1935, a park was created here, and on April 12, 1949, the construction of the main building of the Moscow State University began. In 1953 a 72-metre high ski-jump was erected at the top of the hill and a ski slope was built.

Situated on the high bank of the Moskva River, the Vorobyovy Gory has one of the most breath-taking views of the city. Since Soviet times, the observation deck has attracted newlyweds, tourists, students and motorcyclists.

After a major overhaul in 2014, an interactive map of Moscow with LED backlight was installed here, mounted directly in the granite pavement. It shows the Kremlin, the River Yauza, the Moskva River, and all seven hills of the Russian capital.

(Source: Moscow City Government)

Football fest

25 thousand people a day – that’s how many fans will be able to attend the fan zone.

All visitors will be able to socialize and enjoy the views and festive atmosphere, but of course also watch the football. For this purpose, giant interactive screens will be installed on the University Square to broadcast the matches.

And on the site itself, there will be a big stage where invited musicians will perform for football fans. There will also be an information Centre for tourists, a souvenir shop, and numerous food outlets.

Fans of a healthy lifestyle can cycle here – and leave their bicycles in a parking area. There will be free bus services from Kievskaya metro station and Luzhniki Stadium.

Access to the FIFA Fan Fest™ is free for everybody.