The HC "Torpedo" announced when the team will move to the "Volga Arena".

      The Nizhny Novgorod hockey club "Torpedo" plans to start operations at the new "Volga Arena" as early as August 2026. This was announced by the club's general director, Evgeny Zabuga, during the broadcast of the program "Hockey Conversation" (18+).

      According to him, preparations for operation are currently ongoing at the arena. Exercise equipment, dining hall equipment, and other necessary facilities are being delivered to the sports block.

      "We really hope that test matches will take place there as early as August of this year. Without them, it is impossible for the KHL to inspect and allow the sports facility to host championship matches," said Zabuga.

      He added that after a thorough medical examination, the team will go on a two-week preseason training camp in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The club hopes that by mid-August, the hockey players will be able to use the new arena and its infrastructure.

      At the same time, the director reminded that "Torpedo" cannot influence the deadlines for the completion of construction and the commissioning of the facility.

      "The club is not the customer and does not interact with the contractor legally. But we participate in the process, providing our wishes for the arrangement of the arena, so that later there will be as few additional fittings and expenses as possible," he noted.

      According to Zabuga, this is why the club asked the KHL to schedule the first four matches of the new season to be played away. The league took this request into account.

      "We are being cautious. Of course, we want to hold the first home match of the new championship at the new arena, so that it is a beautiful event for both hockey and the city," emphasized the general director.

      Let us remind you that the construction of the arena began in 2022. Initially, the completion was planned for 2024, but then the deadlines were moved to 2026. The budget for 2026-2028 includes 4.6 billion rubles for the completion of the project. The cost of the Palace contract has increased by 2.3 billion rubles.

      In July 2025, the new Ice Palace received its official address, and in May 2026, it was named "Volga Arena" in honor of the revived automotive brand.

      Preliminarily, the first match (0+) at the new "Volga Arena" will take place on August 14 against Moscow's "Dynamo" without spectators. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.