$15 billion has been spent from the budget. What improvements have been made at "Astana Arena" following its renovation?

The reconstruction of the “Astana Arena” stadium has been completed, with 15 billion tenge allocated from the budget, reports Sports.kz citing Orda.kz.

“The work involved both infrastructure and technical equipment. Many football fans remember that prior to the renovations, the stadium faced serious issues. The retractable roof was particularly problematic, leaking heavily during rain and snow.

Athletes criticized the artificial turf for its hardness, while fans complained about the acoustics: announcements and broadcasts were poorly audible.

Long queues at the stadium entrance became the norm due to an outdated ticketing system. The engineering networks were also worn out, leading to ventilation disruptions and fire safety concerns.

Therefore, the first aspect addressed during the reconstruction was the roofing. The polycarbonate coverings of both the retractable and main sections were replaced. The first floor received new stained glass windows, and the engineering networks and fire safety systems were repaired.

The surrounding area of the stadium was also renovated and updated.

“Sound and broadcasts have been improved, old elevators were replaced, and the LED screen and media system were upgraded. Entry is now expected to be faster with the introduction of a new ticketing system using QR codes. Previously, volunteers manually checked tickets for entry.

Another significant change is the new heated turf. The field is now noticeably softer, which is expected to reduce the strain on players' joints. The turf remains artificial, but the administration asks for patience regarding criticism. According to them, this type of surface requires minimal maintenance and can withstand any weather conditions.

According to the Astana Department of Physical Culture and Sports, the stadium is now ready for national team games and international UEFA and FIFA tournaments.

Currently, 400 young footballers from SDYUSHOR No. 8 train here. They spend three hours on the field three times a week. By the way, natural grass would not withstand such a load.

The VIP lounge has also been updated, but access for the average person is impossible, regardless of the price— it is exclusively for the president and his guests.

It has a separate elevator, its own exit to the stands, tables, bar counters, and televisions,” the media report states.