International success brought football club BATE Borisov to the spotlight, but also caused concerns over where the club should play during European competition games. Decision was thus made to build a brand new arena.
Official opening occured on May 3, 2014. On that day the domestic cup final was played, ironically without the home team for whom the new arena was built. BATE moved in one week later.
Designed by Slovenian Ofis Arkitekti, the stadium is located south-west of Borisov, near the road to Minsk. It’s surrounded with pine forest and emerges from the ground like an amorphous blob. In reality the outer shell is fully symmetric, but irregular holes in the facade make an impression of undefined shape. Inside the single-tiered stands are equipped with uniquely-coloured seats and accessible from a promenade surrounding the whole stadium. Four gates/ramps lead to the promenade, each located in one corner. Player and VIP access is located near the main grandstand.
Arena is located not very far from Minsk - about 70km.
Borisov Arena is an UEFA Category 4 Stadium.
