The Vodnik Stadium, declared unsafe, will be closed from August 29.

      August 29, 2025 09:27

      [185]

      Sport

      The Vodnik stadium in Nizhny Novgorod is being closed after being declared structurally unsound, the mayor’s press service reported.

      One of Nizhny Novgorod’s oldest sports facilities — the Vodnik stadium, built in 1937 — was declared structurally unsound following a technical inspection. A specialized organization carried out the inspection and found significant wear on key infrastructure elements: the sports club building, the football field, the running tracks and the stands.

      In connection with this, from August 29 access to the stadium grounds will be completely closed and security has been increased.

      Training for students of the Vodnik sports school will be temporarily moved to the training bases of other schools from the start of the new academic year. According to Anton Ermakov, director of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod administration, the relocation process was organized in advance and is being carried out in stages.

      “Some of the children from the athletics, triathlon and rugby divisions are already training at other schools because Vodnik did not have the necessary infrastructure. We are supporting the others and staying in contact with parents to promptly inform them of any changes,” Ermakov said.

      At the same time, the Institute for the Development of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Agglomeration is working on a master plan for the development of the stadium area. The document will be published after the completion of the technical and economic calculations. The key task is to preserve the sporting function of the area and ensure accessibility for children.

      “The area around the stadium has long been outdated both morally and physically. A comprehensive approach is needed to create a modern urban space where both children and adults can engage in sports,” emphasized Ivan Kargin, deputy chairman of the government of Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      Earlier reports said the Vodnik stadium in Nizhny Novgorod could be put up for auction as part of KRT. NIA “Nizhny Novgorod” has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed about major events, exclusive materials and timely information.

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