On Saturday, April 22nd Zenit St. Petersburg will face FC Ural in the Russain Premier League for the first ever competitive game at Stadium St. Petersburg, one of the key venues for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Russian club will play two further home fixtures at the newly build stadium before the venue hosts a series of 2017 Confederations Cup games, which will be held from June 17 until July 2.
The ground will play host to four first round group matches, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the match for third place during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Zenit said goodbye to their old ground, known as the Petrovsky, by rescuing a point against Anzhi Machachkala in a 1-1 draw.
Saint Petersburg Stadium, also referred to as Zenit Arena, Krestovsky Stadium, and Piter Arena has a capacity of 68,000 seats.
The venue was designed by Japanese architecture firm Kisho Kurokawa.
Other stadiums hosting games at the tournament are Otkrytie Arena in Moscow, Kazan Arena and Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.
The Panenka 
Russia has chosen its most majestic city for the curtain raiser to the 2018 World Cup, but allegations of racism may overshadow this weekend’s preliminary draw in St. Petersburg.
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