Papara Park
Trabzon, Turkey
Ozon Arena
Krasnodar Russia
The Ozon Arena, historically known as the Krasnodar Stadium, is a world-class football venue located in Krasnodar, Russia. Opened in 2016 and renamed Ozon Arena in 2025 following a landmark sponsorship deal, the stadium serves as the home ground for FC Krasnodar. With a capacity of 35,179, it is famous for its unique Roman Colosseum-inspired exterior and cutting-edge interior technology. Surrounded by the breathtaking Krasnodar Park, the arena has earned a reputation as one of the most comfortable and visually stunning stadiums in Europe, meeting the highest UEFA category 4 requirements.
By Дмитрий Пукалик - soccer.ru, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
By Anna Novikova - https://www.flickr.com/photos/157007841@N05/40648626953/, CC BY 2.0, Link
Capacity
35.249
History of the Venue
Commissioned by businessman Sergey Galitsky, construction began in 2013 and was completed in September 2016. Unlike many modern stadiums, it was not built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup but as a private project for FC Krasnodar. It held its inaugural match on October 9, 2016, with a friendly between Russia and Costa Rica. In April 2025, the stadium entered a new chapter by officially taking the name Ozon Arena. Over its short history, it has already hosted football giants like Real Madrid (Youth League), Porto, and Chelsea, as well as several international national team fixtures.
Architecture and Design
Designed by the German firm gmp (von Gerkan, Marg and Partners), the stadium’s facade is made of light-colored Italian travertine, giving it an ancient, timeless look. Inside, the design is revolutionary: it features a massive 4,700 square meter 360-degree LED screen that wraps around the entire top of the seating bowl, replacing traditional scoreboards with immersive visuals. The stadium is a « pure » football arena with no running tracks, ensuring the stands are as close to the natural grass pitch as possible. All seats are covered by a sleek, cable-stayed roof.
Atmosphere and Matchday Experience
Matchdays at the Ozon Arena are known for their high-tech comfort. The stadium is equipped with an advanced infrared heating system in the stands to keep fans warm during cold Russian winters. The 360-degree screen creates an unmatched pre-game light show and provides real-time data throughout the match. The atmosphere is generally considered polite and family-oriented, reflecting the « Bulls » (the club’s nickname) philosophy of sportsmanship and modern entertainment.
Location and Accessibility
The arena is located at 1 Razvedchika Leonova Street in the eastern part of Krasnodar. It is the centerpiece of the stunning 22-hectare Krasnodar Park (popularly known as Galitsky Park), which has become a major tourist attraction.
– Public Transport: Several bus and trolleybus lines connect the stadium to the city center and main railway station.
– By Car: There are over 1,800 parking spaces on Hero Vladislav Posadsky Street, though traffic can be heavy on matchdays.
– Walking: Many fans choose to walk through the park to reach the stadium, enjoying the award-winning landscape design before entering the gates.
Origin of the Name
The stadium was originally known as the Krasnodar Stadium. In 2025, it was renamed the Ozon Arena as part of a strategic partnership with Ozon, one of Russia’s leading e-commerce platforms. This naming rights deal represents one of the largest in the Russian Premier League, reflecting the stadium’s status as a premium brand and a symbol of modern Russian architecture.
Who's play in Ozon Arena
How to get to Ozon Arena
The most enjoyable way to reach the Ozon Arena is to take a bus or taxi to the edge of Krasnodar Park and walk through the greenery to the stadium. Bus lines 45, 47, and 58 are common routes that pass near the venue. If you are staying in the city center, a taxi remains the most efficient option, usually taking about 20-30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
Due to the absence of a running track and the steep incline of the stands, there are no bad seats in the Ozon Arena. For the most prestigious view and best access to VIP services, the West Stand is the primary choice. For the most immersive visual experience of the 360-degree media screen, seats in the lower tiers provide a spectacular perspective of the wrap-around visuals. The East Stand is also highly popular for families as it offers great tactical views of the pitch.
Where to eat and drink near Ozon Arena
The stadium is a cashless venue, meaning all purchases must be made via card or mobile payment. Inside the concourses, you will find modern food courts serving traditional snacks, hot dogs, and soft drinks. Outside the stadium, Krasnodar Park features several high-end cafes and eateries, such as Cafe Krasnodar, which offers a refined dining experience. Many fans enjoy a meal in the park before heading into the arena for kickoff.
Good to know
The Ozon Arena is a safe and strictly regulated venue. A Fan ID (Passport of a Fan) is required for most domestic league matches, so ensure you have yours ready before booking tickets. Security is thorough, and large bags or umbrellas are typically prohibited. One unique tip: even in winter, don’t overdress too heavily if you are in the lower tiers, as the infrared heating system is exceptionally effective and can feel quite warm once the match begins.
