Almaty Requires a 50,000-Capacity Sports Arena

Almaty, Kazakhstan's cultural heart and a city buzzing with festivals, creative spaces, and year-round attractions, is set to take another significant step in its journey as a global tourist destination. The city is planning to build a new international stadium with a capacity of 35,000 seats, aiming to attract more international visitors and boost its economy.

Jennifer Lopez's recent concert at Almaty's Central Stadium, which attracted more than 20,000 fans from 35 countries, with nearly a third being international visitors, serves as a testament to the city's potential. Some people, however, believe the stadium's capacity is too small, suggesting it should be expanded to 50,000 seats.

Advocates argue that a 50,000-seat stadium would signal Almaty's readiness to welcome the world and Kazakhstan's seriousness about establishing itself in the global circuit of sports, music, and cultural tourism. It would also provide an opportunity to attract global acts like Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Shakira, Coldplay, or Billie Eilish with a bigger arena.

The UEFA Champions League group stage qualification by Kairat FC could bring thousands of international fans to Almaty. According to UEFA rules, away supporters are guaranteed 5% of the tickets, which translates to approximately 1,000 foreign fans per match.

The economic impact of international visitors attending concerts or sports events in Almaty could be significant. With four home games, Kazakh Tourism projects more than 4,000 international visitors and an economic impact of roughly three billion tenge (US$5.58 million). The multiplier effect of visitors booking hotels, riding taxis, dining at restaurants, and extending their trips contributes to this impact.

Infrastructure should not just keep pace with demand but also anticipate it, as seen in the example of Astana hosting the World Library and Information Congress of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). The IFLA president shared her excitement about the event, noting that many delegates had arrived early or extended their stay to explore Astana and Almaty.

The new stadium is not just for football but also for MICE-related tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and other events like concerts. The debate is not just about 15,000 extra chairs but about ambition for Almaty and Kazakhstan.

Football is now joining the list of attractions in Almaty, with Kairat breaking into UEFA's elite. Almaty, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant city life, is poised to become a must-visit destination for both sports and music enthusiasts alike.