Astana Arena
Tabanlioglu Arhitects

Photo: Cemal Emden

Located on the highway connecting the airport to the city the Astana Stadium is principally designed as a venue for soccer but can be adapted for other sports events, including the country's favorite sports - wrestling, judo and boxing.

Set within extensive landscaping the Stadium, with its spectacular elliptical form and retractable roof, has quickly become a landmark in the city.

Photo: Cemal Emden

Photo: Cemal Emden

The stadium was conceived as a large amphitheater the two-tiered structure accommodates 16,000 spectators on the lower terrace encircling the playing area, and a further 14,000 on the upper stand to the east and west. All spectators have a clear sight line with an unobstructed view of the field of play.


Photo: Cemal Emden

Each spectator's platform has its separate stairways. Circulation around the stands link to a concourse that contains food kiosks, restaurants, and restrooms. Twenty-four portals surrounding the arena ensure that the crowd can disperse swiftly after an event.


Photo: Cemal Emden

Photo: Cemal Emden

Photo: Cemal Emden

Photo: Cemal Emden

Photo: Cemal Emden

Photo: Cemal Emden

When closed the sliding roof, an integral part of the structure, converts the stadium into a covered arena. Two deep steel trusses run in an east-west direction carrying the main roof structure and the weight of the sliding roof components. When activated the two giant roof panels glide toward each other to meet above the center of the bowl.


Photo: Cemal Emden

Photo: Cemal Emden

Photo: Cemal Emden

The polycarbonate roof panels ensure that natural light enters the Arena when the roof is closed and, besides admitting light, the membrane material resists deformation and has sound absorption.

The Arena floodlighting is mounted on the leading edge of the main roof beams thus preventing the need for corner pylons and ensuring minimal light spillage. Closing the roof reduces noise pollution to the surrounding area and simultaneously intensifies the competitive atmosphere within the Arena.

The main structure is in situ reinforced concrete while prefabricated concrete elements are used in the construction of the stands. Parts of the east and west elevations are faced in profiled aluminum cladding. The concrete structure provides an economical yet durable structure with good resistance against weather conditions.


Drawing courtesy Tabanlioglu ArchitectsPlan



Drawing courtesy Tabanlioglu ArchitectsSections



Drawing courtesy Tabanlioglu ArchitectsSections