World Aquatics venue to open Friday

Kazan (Russia), April 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti)

The $115 million swimming hall that will host much of the 2015 World Aquatics Championships here is to open Friday, organisers of the University Games told R-Sport.

Construction of the 4,200-seater Aquatics Palace started in 2009 as part of Russia’s preparations for the University Games, which Kazan is hosting in July.

“The palace will officially be opened April 12,” organisers said in a statement Monday.

“On that day there will be an opening ceremony and a press conference, and also competitions in the Russian junior diving championships will begin.”

During the 2015 mega event, the venue will host diving, synchronized swimming and water polo.

The swimming hall, however, won’t host swimming events, which will take place nearby in a temporary pool inside a football stadium.