Cska Arena

CSKA Arena Moscow: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

CSKA Arena, officially known as VEB Arena since 2017, stands as one of Moscow’s premier destinations for sports and entertainment. Located on Khodynka Field, the arena is the home of PFC CSKA Moscow, a football club with roots stretching back to 1911. This modern sports complex is more than just a stadium—it is a testament to the city’s sporting heritage, architectural innovation, and ongoing urban development. Whether you’re attending a high-stakes football match, a Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) game, a concert, or exploring nearby cultural attractions, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting CSKA Arena, including hours, ticketing, accessibility, and travel tips.

For the most current information, refer to official resources such as the CSKA Moscow website and CSKA Hockey Club site.

(CSKA Arena Moscow: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance of the VEB Arena, Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting CSKA Arena in Moscow, Visiting VEB Arena: Your Complete Guide to CSKA Moscow Stadium Tickets, Hours & Nearby Attractions)

History and Significance
Practical Information
Facilities and Experience
Nearby Attractions
Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Travel Tips
References and Official Links

History and Significance

Origins and Club Heritage

Founded in 1911 and historically linked to the Russian armed forces, CSKA Moscow—often called the “Red Army team”—has played a pivotal role in Russian and Soviet sports. For decades, the club lacked a permanent home, playing at various venues including Luzhniki Stadium. The vision for a dedicated, modern stadium materialized in the early 2000s, culminating in the opening of CSKA Arena in 2016. The arena’s most distinctive architectural feature, the UEFA Cup tower, commemorates CSKA’s 2005 European triumph and stands as a symbol of both sporting achievement and Moscow’s urban renewal.

Architectural Features

Capacity and Layout: The stadium seats approximately 30,000 spectators in a bowl configuration for football, with separate stands and skyboxes providing excellent sightlines.
UEFA Cup Tower: A 142-meter skyscraper designed in the shape of the UEFA Cup trophy, housing club offices and hospitality suites.
Integration with Urban Life: The arena is surrounded by shopping, dining, and recreation spaces, blending seamlessly with Moscow’s business and residential districts.
Modern Standards: Facilities meet UEFA requirements, including VIP suites, press rooms, under-soil heating, and sustainability features.

(CSKA Arena Moscow: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance of the VEB Arena)

Practical Information

Visiting Hours

Match and Event Days: The stadium opens around 1.5–2 hours before scheduled events and closes approximately an hour after.
Non-Event Days: Access is limited; guided tours are available by appointment.
Museum Hours (Park of Legends): 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily (for related attractions).

Always verify current schedules on the official website or CSKA Hockey Club site.

Tickets and Purchasing

Online: Tickets for football and hockey matches, concerts, and exhibitions are sold via the official CSKA Moscow website, CSKA Hockey Club site, and trustworthy platforms like fs-tickets.ru.
In Person: Stadium box offices and CSKA shops throughout Moscow.
Prices: Typically range from 300–1500 rubles ($4–$20 USD), depending on event and seating category.
For International Visitors: Online purchases may require a Russian phone number for verification; buying tickets in person or via concierge services is recommended.

(Visiting VEB Arena: Your Complete Guide to CSKA Moscow Stadium Tickets, Hours & Nearby Attractions, CSKA Arena Tickets, Visiting Hours, and Safety Guide for Visitors in Moscow)

Accessibility

Facilities: Wheelchair-accessible seating, ramps, elevators, and dedicated assistance services.
Parking: Limited spaces; accessible spots are available by request.
Language: Signage is typically bilingual (Russian/English).

Getting There

Metro:
- VEB Arena (football): Sokol (Line 2), Polezhayevskaya (Line 7), Khoroshyovskaya/CSKA (Line 11), Zorge (Line 14).
- CSKA Arena (multi-sport): ZIL MCC, Avtozavodskaya Metro.
Bus: Routes 318, 6, and 43.
Car: Limited parking; public transport is recommended due to event traffic.

Guided Tours and Photography

Guided tours, including access to the UEFA Cup tower, locker rooms, and exclusive areas, can be booked in advance. The arena’s architecture offers excellent photography opportunities, especially around the main entrance and tower.

Facilities and Experience

Arena Layout and Amenities

Seating: Four main stands, two tiers, and 127 skyboxes for premium viewing.
Multi-Arena Complex: Includes large (14,000 seats), small (5,000 seats), and training (500 seats) arenas for hockey, basketball, and concerts.
VIP and Hospitality: Luxury boxes, conference suites, and private lounges available for events and hire.
Restrooms: Modern, family-friendly, and accessible facilities on every level.

Food, Drink, and Merchandise

Dining: Variety of local and international cuisine at concession stands.
Merchandise: Official CSKA and Spartak Moscow shops sell jerseys, scarves, and memorabilia; online store offers global shipping.

Event Spaces

Corporate Hire: Spaces for meetings, banquets, and product launches.
Concerts/Exhibitions: Adaptable seating and standing configurations for major events.

Major Tenants

Football: PFC CSKA Moscow (VEB Arena, 30,000 seats).
Ice Hockey: CSKA Moscow, Spartak Moscow (CSKA Arena).
Basketball: VTB United League games and finals.

Nearby Attractions

Park of Legends: Russian Hockey Museum and Hall of Glory, watersport arena, restaurants, and hotels.
Moscow Historical Sites: Victory Park, Red Square, Kremlin, and State Historical Museum—all easily accessible via metro.
Leisure: Shopping centers and recreation areas in the Khodynka Field district.

Safety and Security

Security Protocols

Screening: Bag checks, metal detectors, and surveillance systems at all entrances.
Prohibited Items: Large bags, glass, flammable substances, weapons, and disruptive objects.
Smoking: Prohibited indoors; designated outdoor areas available.
COVID-19 Measures: Hand sanitizing stations, regular cleaning, and adherence to current health guidelines.

Event-Specific Security

Major events feature increased security, additional staff, and stricter ticket checks. Lost and found and on-site medical facilities are available.

(CSKA Arena official site, fs-tickets.ru)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the CSKA Arena visiting hours?
A: On event days, the arena opens 1.5–2 hours before the event; check the official schedule for exact times.