The Fisht Olympic Stadium was built in Sochi for the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The grandiose sports facility has become the center of the Olympic Park. The stands of the sports arena, unique for Russia, are designed for 40 thousand spectators; in the future, the number of seats will be increased by another 5 thousand.
It was decided to name the stadium "Fisht" in honor of the eponymous peak located in the western part of the main Caucasian ridge. Mount Fisht reaches almost 2,900 meters in height and is a very popular tourist destination in the European part of Russia. The word "fisht" is translated from the Adyghe language as "gray-headed", "white head", "white frost". The name reflects the appearance of the mountain - its top is covered with glaciers. It was this landscape that became the prototype of the central Olympic stadium: the openwork roof structure, covered with a special polymer, creates the effect of a layer of snow lying on it. The roof makes the building the tallest object in the Olympic Park, and when looking towards the mountains, the 70-meter stadium becomes a harmonious part of the natural panorama.
Fisht was built using the most modern building technologies. The frame, which resembles lace, consists of many metal arches, beams and other elements. The priority during construction was the safety of athletes and spectators. During the construction of the facility, environmental safety and minimization of possible damage to the environment were of great importance. Close attention was also paid to the creation of an accessible environment for people with disabilities. When designing, the requirements of the International Paralympic Committee were fully taken into account.
The height of the stadium bowl is 36 meters. For the convenience and safety of spectators, it is divided into sectors, each with a separate entrance. All levels of the arena are connected by lifts and stairs. The stadium seats are installed in such a way as to visually enlarge the space and highlight the stage. To give this effect, the upper rows are dark in color, from top to bottom, the seats made of moisture-resistant material become light. Railways are mounted on the roof of the building with special equipment designed to transport heavy loads at height. More than 20 lifts have also been installed.
The unique technical capabilities of the Olympic facility make it possible to stage even opera performances inside. Fisht stadium is planned to be used for holding concert and entertainment events and various shows. And, of course, the facility will not cease to carry out its main sports function: it will host training for athletes, matches of the national football team, as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
