History and description

The Mordovia Arena, which is also known as Saransk Stadium, was built to serve as the new home of Mordovia Saransk and one of the playing venues of the 2018 World Cup. The stadium was first proposed in early 2010 before the World Cup had been awarded to Russia. Following various redesigns, building works began in late 2011, and soon after Saransk was picked as one of the host cities of the World Cup.

However, work progressed slowly, and in 2012 the first structures of the lower tier barely up, due to a lack of funding the project stalled.Little activity was recorded in the next two years until work was picked up again in late 2014.

Following further delays, the Mordovia Arena opened on 21 April 2018 with a league match between Mordovia and Zenith Ishevsk. However, due to the reduced capacity of the stadium, the first full-capacity match was played on 16 May.

During the World Cup, the Mordovia Arena hosted four first round group matches.

Initially, it was expected that the stadium's capacity would be reduced after the World Cup to 28,000 seats by removing the upper tier and turning it into a walking concourse. However, in the end, the stadium was left as is.

After it was completed, the Mordovia Arena became the home of Mordovia Saransk. However, it ceased operating in 2020.

In 2019, following their promotion to the Russian Premier League and with their own stadium not meeting league standards, FC Tambov moved into Saransk's stadium despite Saransk being hundreds of kilometres away from Tambov.

How to get to the Mordovia Arena

The Mordovia Arena is located in the small city of Saransk, far from the city's principal square. The distance from Saransk's main square is only a kilometer or 10 minutes walk. You can get either a city bus or one of the many shared mini buses that go to the terminal. Saransk's main railway station is located a little further north, but still only takes about 30 minutes to walk there. The bus terminal, on the western edge of the city, is much further away though, and takes about an hour to get there by bus. There are several city buses that will take you there, or you can take one of the many shared mini buses that go to the terminal.

While most central parts of Saransk are all within walking distance of the stadium, bus 44 can be useful to get there quicker though the route from the railway station goes in a very roundabout way. It's a quick connection from the bus terminal though.

There is also a multiple marshrutka?s running along Volgogradskaya street next to the stadium that can be of use.

Address: Volgogradskaya ul., Saransk, 430009

Eat, drink, and sleep near the Mordovia Arena

The Mordovia Arena is a new development that will form part of a new area in Saransk consisting of residential units, parks, and shopping malls. However, the city center across the bridge is just as far away. There are currently not many places to eat or drink around the stadium, but the city centre is only a short walk away.

There aren't a whole lot of hotels in Saransk, and none directly near the Mordovia Arena. However, there are various apartment rentals to choose from. In the centre, Saransk Hotel and Meridian are the two options at walking distance of the stadium, with a few more hotels further away.

If you're looking for a place to stay while in Saransk, consider one of the hotels or apartment rentals nearby the Mordovia Arena. There are many great options available, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Photos of the Mordovia Arena

I hope that you will have a great time at the party. I am looking forward to seeing you there.

Useful websites

Fc-mordovia.ru - Official website of FC Mordovia Saransk.