Astana Arena (foto: //)
The iconic Astana Arena, home to Kazakhstan's national football team, is facing an unprecedented crisis as the stadium's foundation begins to sink into the ground.
The venue, which opened its doors in July 2009 at a cost of $185 million, is now in urgent need of a comprehensive overhaul.
The 30,244-seat stadium has been plagued by a series of structural issues, beginning with leaks that were initially overlooked by the club's management. Matters escalated when the roof cracked during a match between Astana and Shakhtar Karaganda, raising serious safety concerns. An immediate investigation revealed that the entire stadium structure is sinking, prompting authorities to take swift action.
The local government has recognized the severity of the issue and has allocated an emergency budget for the stadium's renovation. "The safety of our fans, players, and staff is our top priority. We are taking immediate steps to address the issue," said a spokesperson for the Astana Arena. The stadium will officially close its doors in November, and a timeline for the renovation work is yet to be announced.
The closure comes at a critical time as the Astana Arena was scheduled to host key matches in the European Championship qualifiers. Kazakhstan is set to face Finland this Thursday at 4 p.m. local time in Group H. Both teams currently have nine points, two more than Denmark and Slovenia, making this a crucial fixture for both nations.
While the budget for the renovation has been secured, the duration of the work remains uncertain. This raises questions about the future of the venue and its ability to host international events. Until the renovation is complete, alternative venues will have to be considered for upcoming matches.