Major Public Sports Facility Opens in Russia's Second-Largest City

The city of St. Petersburg, Russia, has opened a large-scale 13,000㎡ public stadium and a redeveloped sports complex in Primorsky District.

On September 6, St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov announced via his Telegram channel the redevelopment of the Primoryets Sports Complex and the construction of a new GTO (Russian National Physical Fitness Test) standard stadium.

Primoryets Sports Complex Modernization

The Primoryets Sports Complex underwent complete replacement of its athletics track and field surfaces, with new archery ranges and warm-up areas added.

Governor Beglov explained, "Currently, more than 1,500 people train at Primoryets, from professional athletes to youth sports school students," adding that "while Russian national and international competitions are regularly held here, it remains an open facility freely accessible to ordinary citizens."

According to the city administration, in 2023 they reconstructed the rowing boathouse and installed state-of-the-art equipment in the gym, medical room, and locker rooms. An all-weather gorodki (traditional Russian sport) court is currently under construction, scheduled for completion in 2026.

The adjacent Bolshaya Nevka River embankment walkway is also undergoing phase 4 renovation work. This section connects from Elagin Bridge No. 3 to the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg Park, linking the Primoryets stadium to the Primorsky Avenue residential complex.

13,000㎡ GTO-Certified Stadium

The GTO-standard stadium built near the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg Park was constructed by the builders of Zenit Arena.

The facility includes the following zones:

• 60m and 100m professional athletics tracks (with special surface treatment)
• Tournament zone dedicated to strength training
• Long jump and throwing fields
• Indoor pavilion with electronic shooting range
• Multi-purpose field for soccer, baseball, and rugby
• Track for bicycle and automobile racing

City authorities stated, "We've enhanced convenience by installing showers, locker rooms, and a medical room," adding that they "prepared 200-seat spectator stands and children's sports facilities with accessibility for people with disabilities."

Promoting Public Health Through Open Facilities

This facility expansion is part of St. Petersburg's civic sports infrastructure enhancement policy. GTO is a certification system operated by the Russian government to improve national fitness, awarding gold, silver, and bronze badges to those who meet age-specific physical standards.

The new stadium will soon be officially transferred to city ownership and, together with the Primoryets Sports Complex, is expected to function as a hub for daily physical activities for Primorsky District residents.

Previously, St. Petersburg opened a soccer school for FC Zenit and is also planning to build a modern "Olympic Hopes" stadium in Primorsky District.