Sochi Olympic Park is located in the Imeretinsky Valley on the coast of the Black Sea, in the urban-type settlement of Sirius, which was established in 2019. Before 2019, the park fell within the Adlersky City District of Sochi.
What venues are inside Sochi Olympic Park?
The park contains Fisht Olympic Stadium (40,000 capacity for the 2014 Games), the Bolshoy Ice Dome (12,000 seats), the Iceberg Skating Palace (12,000 seats), the Adler Arena Skating Center (8,000 seats), the Shayba Arena (7,000 seats), and the Ice Cube Curling Center (3,000 seats), plus the Olympic Village, the Sochi Media Center, and the Sochi Autodrom Formula One circuit.
Why is there a cemetery inside Sochi Olympic Park?
A 2-acre cemetery dating to 1915 predates the Olympic construction and contains graves of Old Believers faith members. Russian law prohibits moving graves without relatives' consent, and a cemetery must have had no new burials for at least fifty years before relocation can be considered. Burials are still ongoing at the site.
When did construction of Sochi Olympic Park begin?
Construction began in 2007 in the Imereti Lowlands. The area had been a protected bird habitat since 1911, and most of it was destroyed during construction. Most venues were completed by 2013.
What happened to the Sochi Autodrom after the 2021 Russian Grand Prix?
The Russian Grand Prix contract was terminated in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and no race was held that year. The circuit had hosted Formula One from 2014 through 2021. The 5.848-kilometre street circuit loops around the Olympic Park and holds 55,000 spectators.
Did Fisht Olympic Stadium host the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
Yes. Fisht Olympic Stadium was one of eleven arenas to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, including a quarter-final. It was converted from a domed structure to an open-air venue during its renovation and reseated to 47,659 for those matches. It also hosted four matches at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.