Lerch Bates, a Denver international consulting firm for vertical transportation, façade access and materials management, has been selected by MANICA Architecture to provide vertical transportation and façade access consulting services for the construction of VTB Stadium and Arena in Moscow, Russia. The massive project will include construction of a stadium and an indoor arena within a single building enclosure.

VTB Stadium and Arena, one of the largest projects currently being developed in the Russian Federation, features the redevelopment of historic Dynamo Stadium and the surrounding park. The exterior façade of the old stadium will be incorporated into the construction of the $700-million to $750-million sports and entertainment complex.

A honeycomb-patterned skin will envelop the 27,000-seat soccer stadium, featuring an oculus over the playing field, and the 11,500-seat multipurpose arena. The groundbreaking design of the two ultramodern sports facilities will allow them to operate independently as well as simultaneously and is expected to be a catalyst for all sports in Russia.

VTB Stadium and Arena will be the home of Football Club Dynamo Moscow when it is expected to open in 2017. Founded in 1923 and the oldest soccer team in Russia, FC Dynamo Moscow currently plays in the Russian Premier League. The VTB Stadium and Arena development also will feature the construction of other structures on its grounds, including a world-class sports academy, professional and amateur training facilities, apartments, office space and a luxury hotel.

“VTB Stadium and Arena will have a tremendous impact on how sports and entertainment venues will be designed and constructed,” said Jeff Marsh, Lerch Bates’ director of business development. “The innovative venue, while honoring the past, will be the keystone for the future development of sports in the Russian Federation and Lerch Bates is privileged to be a part of such a significant project.”