National Football Stadium

The National Football Stadium in Minsk has become the largest sports facility in Belarus and a symbol of friendship between the Belarusian and Chinese peoples. Opened on June 7, 2025, the stadium seats 33,145 spectators and meets the highest international standards. The arena is located at the intersection of Partizansky Avenue and Vaneeva Street, next to the Traktor Stadium, and serves as the home venue for the Belarus national football team.

History of the Project

The idea of building a dedicated football stadium in the capital of Belarus emerged back in 2010. Over the years, the project went through several stages of transformation before taking its final shape.

Planning Stages and Site Selection

Initially, the stadium was planned to be located outside the MKAD ring road in the promising Shchomyslitsa microdistrict. However, in 2012 this expensive project was abandoned. The reconstruction of the Dynamo Stadium into a purely football arena was also considered, but in 2013 the final choice fell on the site near the Traktor Stadium. The need for a new stadium was felt particularly acutely between 2012 and 2018, when Dynamo was undergoing long-term reconstruction and the national team had nowhere to play home matches.

International Cooperation

In 2014, it was assumed that the German company GMP International would handle the design, with completion planned for 2018. However, in 2015 a new turnkey construction tender was announced, in which five companies from different countries participated. The winner was the Chinese project. In 2017, President Alexander Lukashenko asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to build the stadium with Chinese flair as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. China already had experience implementing similar projects in Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Costa Rica, and Laos.

Construction Features

Site preparation for the stadium construction began in January 2019, and actual construction work started in the summer of 2020. The project was implemented in parallel with the construction of an international-standard swimming pool on Kalvariyskaya Street.

Technical Parameters

The stadium was designed and built according to Chinese standards, norms and technical specifications. The total building area amounted to 48,000 square metres. The contract for the construction of the stadium and the swimming pool totalled $180 million. Construction proceeded at a variable pace, and the original completion deadline of 2023 was not met. The Chinese side had to allocate additional funding to complete the project.

Stadium Infrastructure and Facilities

The National Football Stadium impresses not only with its scale but also with the thoughtfulness of every detail. The modern arena is designed for maximum spectator comfort and optimal conditions for sporting events.

Playing Field and Technical Equipment

Football pitch characteristics:

• Natural turf measuring 105×68 metres
• Under-soil heating system for year-round use
• Modern irrigation system
• Compliance with FIFA standards

Spectator Areas and Services

The stadium has 33,145 seats with excellent views from every part of the stands. Specialised zones are provided for different categories of visitors:

• VIP boxes for honoured guests
• Media tribune seats
• Spacious press centre for journalists
• Fitness club
• Cafés and relaxation areas
• Children’s centre for young fans

Transport Accessibility

To ensure convenient access, extensive parking infrastructure for 307 vehicles has been organised:

• Underground parking
• Surface car parks
• Dedicated bus spaces

International Status of the Arena

The National Football Stadium meets UEFA Category 4 requirements, opening up wide opportunities for hosting prestigious international tournaments.

Competitions That Can Be Hosted at the Stadium

1. Final-stage matches of FIFA World Cup tournaments
2. UEFA European Championship games
3. UEFA Champions League matches
4. UEFA Europa League matches
5. UEFA Super Cup matches

The arena’s high status allows Belarus to bid for the largest European and world-level football events.

Development of the Surrounding Area

For the stadium’s opening, Minsk authorities carried out large-scale improvements to the surrounding territory. The Park named after the 50th Anniversary of the Great October was renovated, and the infrastructure of the Traktor Stadium was modernised. Over five years, this district of the capital has transformed into a modern sports quarter for active recreation enthusiasts.

Architectural Appearance

The stadium’s exterior is distinguished by its vibrant colours and ultra-modern design. The architecture combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, while the Chinese flair gives the structure a unique character. The scale and dimensions of the arena make a strong impression both outside and inside.

Significance for Belarusian Sport

The opening of the National Football Stadium has become an important milestone in the development of Belarus’s sports infrastructure. The country’s national football team now has a worthy home arena that meets all international requirements. Advantages of the new stadium:

• State-of-the-art technical equipment of world-class level
• Comfortable conditions for spectators and athletes
• Ability to host matches at any time of year
• Attraction of major international tournaments
• Development of football culture in the country

The National Football Stadium in Minsk has become a symbol of a new era in Belarusian football and an example of successful international cooperation. The arena creates all the conditions necessary for the development of elite sport and for popularising football among the general population.