Sochi's new winter sports academy secures final design approval ahead of 2026 launch
A new winter sports academy in Sochi has reached its final design stage. Backed by Russia's Ministry of Sports and Olympic champion Ilya Averbuch, the project will serve as a training centre for local athletes and Olympic hopefuls. The facility's centrepiece will be a 1,000-seat ice palace for competitions, training, and public events.
The academy will occupy over 8,000 square meters in Sochi's Novaya Matesta district. Its construction is scheduled to start in 2026, with an estimated total investment of 588 million rubles. The Yug Sport centre is also contributing to the project.
The ice palace will host not only sports activities but also concerts and cultural events. Professional coaches will oversee training programmes, focusing on athletes from southern Russia. The facility aims to strengthen the region's role in developing winter sports talent. Olympic champion Ilya Averbuch is among the key supporters of the initiative. The academy's long-term goal is to provide a modern training base for Russia's Olympic reserve programme.
Once completed, the academy will offer a dedicated space for winter sports development in southern Russia. The 1,000-seat venue and specialised training programmes are expected to attract athletes from across the region. Construction is set to begin in 2026, following the finalised design plans.
