News & Events in Belarus

BORISOV, 5 May (BelTA) – Belarus’ last-word football stadium opened its doors in Borisov on 3 May 2014. The official opening ceremony was attended by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, BelTA learned.

The President stressed that the stadium did not yield to similar facilities abroad and became a great present to football fans, the residents of Borisov and Minsk Oblast in general.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that approaching the stadium he caught himself thinking that time runs fast: “It seems we have just laid down a capsule into the foundation of the stadium.” And some three years later the country’s state-of-the-art football stadium opens in Borisov. “Your team will have to wander around cities and villages no more,” the head of state said talking about FC BATE Borisov.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the facility meets the UEFA’s highest standards and is able to host any European competitions, including the Champions League and the Europa League. At the same time the stadium will serve other purposes as well. “Apart from its main function the stadium should fulfill its social purpose, since the health of the Belarusian people remains one of the priorities of our policy,” the head of state said.

In his words, every person will find an activity to his/her liking. The facility features a fitness club, a playroom for children, food courts and many more. Conditions were created at the arena to hold not only sport but also mass cultural and public events. The order was brought to the nearby parking zone which, according to the President, would become a favorite leisure area. “Borisov Arena will transform everyday life of Borisov residents and guests of Minsk Oblast,” the head of state is confident.

“The facility can be named a unique architectural work. I am convinced that the football stadium will become another calling card of Belarus recognized worldwide,” the Belarusian leader said. Alexander Lukashenko expressed gratitude to the designers, builders and specialists involved in the project.

According to the head of state, the annual opening of new sport facilities has become a good tradition in the country. The stadium opens in the run-up to a great day, the Victory Day.

The President presented a symbolic key to Borisov Arena to young footballers from FC BATE. The captains of the teams, the Belarus Cup finalists, presented the head of state with a signed ball.

Alexander Lukashenko saw the infrastructure, functional and technical potential of the stadium, talked to the FC BATE Borisov coach and players.

The construction of the new stadium in Borisov was launched on 12 November 2010. The stadium was designed by Slovenia’s Ofis arhitekti. Ljudski vrt Stadium in Maribor was taken as a model. Borisov Arena is a football stadium with a seating capacity of more than 13,000. The facility corresponds to the UEFA 4 Category Stadiums.

Borisov Arena was built as part of Belarus’ football development program for 2011-15. The socially important investment project was implemented with the help of the credit resources of the Development Bank of Belarus.