5 Arenas & Stadiums in Samara That You Shouldn't Miss

Reviewed By nataliamaximova

Ever since 2018 football World Cup my son - a keen footballer and supporter - decided to visit as many World Cup sites and stadiums in Russia as possible. We visit our Russian family every summer and this year we've decided to add Samara to our traveling itinerary. I enjoy visiting historic towns which Samara is. Built on a bank of Volga river it is famous for its extended riverbank walks and a historic centre In 2018 it also became one of host cities for the World Cup. The sadium known as Samara Arena is an elegant structure in a middle of a green field. Its glowing dome looks very much like a spaceship visiting a historic city. We timed our trip so that we could see a local team Krylya Sovetov (who now got this wonderful stadiums as their base) playing one of the Russian Premier League matches. The stadium opens 2 hours before the kick-off and the club provides child-friendly entertainment and live music. Tickets prices vary slightly depending on who is playis and so is attendance. The tickets are really cheap comparing to the UK prices. My son's ticket costed less than a penny! Imagine that! The camera crew have fun picking up fans before the match and putting them on a big screen. Couples are encouraged to kiss while children are waving enthusiastically. The attendance varies depending on the match but the stadium doesn't get filled like Arnfield or other English stadiums - football is still to make it big in Russia. The so called Active Support Group that is present at every game compensates for the empty seats. My son was really impressed by how coordinated and amusing their chanting and activities were! A show of its own right. Both teams played good football too. Even I got into the game and joined the shouting and the cheering. Food outlets have a limited range but no one goes to football matches for sophisticated culinary experience. A cup of tea (for less than a pound) and a hotdog or Russian flavored crisps and chocolates - so you won't starve! Overall it is a jolly and family friendly place. Lots of children and only non-alchogolic beer. Easy transport links to the city which is worth visiting. My boy was happy and so was I. Thank you, Samara.