Artem Kavinov: "Vodnik Stadium has become a special place for me."

      26 November 2025, 13:01

      Sports. State Duma deputy Artyom Kavinov commented on the outcomes of the live Q&A with the governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Gleb Nikitin, paying particular attention to the issue of the reconstruction of the Vodnik stadium.

      In his Telegram channel the parliamentarian noted that this sports facility holds special significance for him. He recalled how, as a child, he took part in school competitions, trained in the "football-hockey" section, and also practiced outdoors together with other pupils of the Officers' House boxing school.

      "It's not just a stadium — it's part of my sporting childhood. I think every resident of Nizhny Novgorod has their own story connected to this place," Kavinov wrote.

      He also shared memories of his father, who played for the Vodnik hockey club and was friends with Andrey Murygin — a well-known youth coach who has raised multiple generations of athletes.

      According to the deputy, it is especially important that the first phase of the territory's renewal provides for the construction of key sports facilities: an athletics complex, an ice arena, football and basketball pitches, a multifunctional sports hall, a fitness center with a swimming pool and a workout area.

      Kavinov noted that emotional comments have been voiced in society regarding the possible reduction in the size of the football field. However, he stressed that it is important to find a balance between preserving the familiar format and creating new opportunities for sports activities for children, young people and veterans.

      "We are talking not only about reconstruction, but about the revival of a territory that has remained abandoned for decades. This is effectively new construction of a modern sports complex in the very center of the city," the deputy emphasized.

      He also highlighted that the project's implementation will attract significant investment — around 2 billion rubles of off-budget funds. This, he said, will help save city budget funds that can be directed to other important needs.

      "The city has already changed, and large-scale investments are needed for its development. Personally, it is important to me that the stadium remain not in memories but become a modern center of sport. It still takes me only 15 minutes to get there, as before. And my grandchildren are into sports — I want them to train not among ruins but in decent conditions," Artyom Kavinov concluded.

      Recall that in early November Nizhny Novgorod authorities presented the KRT project for the Vodnik stadium. A year-round ice arena and a sports center will be built on this site. The project also provides for an open stadium with a football field and a basketball court. In addition, plans include the construction of two residential buildings and three non-residential buildings.

      It was also reported that the territory of the Vodnik stadium may be put up for auction as part of the KRT project in the first quarter of 2026.

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