"Russia’s $1.5 Billion Stadium Crisis: How Krestovsky Almost Missed the 2018 World Cup"

Описание: In the lead-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia was preparing to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The country built new stadiums and upgraded old ones to meet FIFA’s strict requirements. But one stadium in particular faced major challenges: the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg.

Construction on Krestovsky Stadium, also known as Gazprom Arena, began in 2007, with plans for a futuristic design that would make it one of the most modern stadiums in the world. However, as the World Cup approached, things weren’t going as planned. The project was delayed several times, and costs kept rising. Initially estimated at around $250 million, the final cost skyrocketed to $1.5 billion, making it one of the most expensive stadiums ever built.

Despite the enormous cost, the stadium had many problems. When FIFA officials came to inspect the venue, they found that it didn’t meet several of FIFA’s standards. One major issue was the retractable roof, which was designed to protect fans from the cold Russian weather. Unfortunately, it didn’t work properly and often got stuck. Additionally, the grass field inside the stadium was in poor condition. It wasn’t growing well due to the cold climate, and the retractable field system, which was supposed to slide the pitch in and out to get more sunlight, wasn’t functioning as expected.

There were also concerns about safety. Workers rushed to finish the stadium in time, leading to concerns about construction quality. Cracks were found in some parts of the structure, and rumors spread about workers cutting corners to meet deadlines. FIFA warned that if the stadium didn’t meet their standards, it might not be allowed to host World Cup matches.

This situation caused embarrassment for Russian officials, who had promised that everything would be ready on time. With the world watching, the pressure was on to fix the problems. Engineers and construction teams worked day and night to make the necessary changes. They reinforced the structure, improved the roof system, and worked hard to get the field into better shape.

Finally, just in time for the tournament, the stadium was completed and approved by FIFA. Despite the setbacks, Krestovsky Stadium hosted several important matches during the World Cup, including the semi-final between France and Belgium. The stadium’s stunning design and large capacity (68,000 seats) impressed fans and players alike, and it became one of the most memorable venues of the tournament.

In the end, although it faced many challenges, Krestovsky Stadium stood tall and delivered during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The delays and issues were eventually overshadowed by the success of the event, and the stadium is now a symbol of Russia’s commitment to hosting one of the greatest World Cups in history. Despite its rocky road to completion, the stadium remains an iconic part of Russia’s sporting infrastructure today. (@talesofhistorystory)