STADE DE NIJNI NOVGOROD

The Loujniki, which can accommodate up to 81 000 people for the final, is the largest and most mythical stadium in Russia. Recently renovated to meet the conditions of reception (it once had a capacity of 78,000 seats), it is older than 60 years old and formerly called the Lenin central stadium. It is the home of the Russian national football team, but also hosts the concerts of international stars, when they go to Russia (Michael Jackson, Madonna, Metallica). Seven games will take place during the World Cup, including the opening game and the final. Loujniki was rendered infamous after a crowd movement during a UEFA match between 3 and 300 deaths in 1982: official figures have never been made public and is the Olympic stadium of the Moscow summer Olympics in 1980. Its architecture is very interesting, typical of the Soviet style of the first half of the twentieth century: it is even surrounded by small columns!