The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Nizhny Novgorod was part of the largest international football tournament, held in Russia in 2018, in which Nizhny Novgorod was one of the host cities. Preparations for the competition and the tournament itself took several years and had a significant impact on the city's infrastructure, tourist flow, and the legal environment of the region.
Preparations
The intention to host World Cup matches in Nizhny Novgorod was officially recorded as early as October 2011, when the Nizhny Novgorod government signed the corresponding protocol of intent. One of the key infrastructure issues was the construction of a stadium: several sites were considered, including the territory of the Strelka between Aleksandra Nevskogo Cathedral and the building of the former salt exchange, as well as a plot near the Rowing Canal. In the end, the project of the stadium on the Strelka was carried out — later named Volga Arena".
Legal Restrictions During the Tournament
In connection with the FIFA events, a special legal regime was introduced in Nizhny Novgorod, as in other host cities. A special decree, popularly nicknamed the "Decree Banning Rallies" (officially titled "On the Specifics of Applying Enhanced Security Measures During FIFA Events"), established "enhanced security measures" in the city for the period of preparation for and holding of the championship. The document drew criticism among Nizhny Novgorod residents.
Tourism and Economic Impact
The championship gave a noticeable boost to the development of tourism in the region. According to figures cited by Vice Governor Oleg Berkovich in February 2022, the volume of paid tourist services in Nizhny Novgorod Region for 2019 amounted to 14.9 billion rubles — a figure achieved precisely against the backdrop of the influx of visitors tied to the World Cup. This result remained a record for the region for a long time and was surpassed only in 2021 (16.7 billion rubles). Berkovich used the example of the World Cup as an argument for the need for a systematic events policy: in his words, Nizhny Novgorod Region competes for tourist flow with Kazan, Crimea, and Krasnodar Krai, and holding major events on a regular basis is required to retain that flow.
At the group-stage match Sweden vs. South Korea, held on June 18, 2018, an attendance record was set at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.[1]
Sources
- kulebaki.ru — At the group-stage match Sweden vs. South Korea, held on June 18, 2018, an attendance record was set at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. (archive)
Materials from (3) articles were used
Decree Banning Rallies, Berkovich Oleg, NTA-Privolzhye (nta-nn.ru)