World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev
The ‘Flagpole’ ice rink on Krestovsky Island occupies an area of 28,000 sq. meters (301,390 sq. ft.) and several thousand people can skate on it at once. The achievement was recorded in the Russian Book of Records.
World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev

The ice rink is located on the embankment of the Gulf of Finland.

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev

Right from the ice, you can see the new architectural landmarks of St. Petersburg – the ‘Lakhta Center’ skyscraper (the tallest in Europe!) and the ‘Gazprom Arena’ stadium (home to FC ‘Zenit’ St. Petersburg), which looks like a giant spaceship.

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev

The most sharp-eyed will notice the lights of Vasilyevsky Island on the opposite bank.

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev
World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev

The ice rink looks especially beautiful after sunset, when the ice is illuminated with bright blue and white lights – the colors of ‘Zenit’. The flagpole of this team became the centerpiece of the ice rink. 

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev

There is a separate area for children, as well as cozy cafes and rest areas. 

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev
World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev

This winter season, organizers expect up to one million visitors! 

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev
World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev

In the mornings, you can ice skate for free, while the most expensive ticket costs 500 rubles (approx. $5).

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev
World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev

By next season, they promise to open a year-round warm outdoor swimming pool. 

World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev
World's LARGEST ice rink opens in St. Petersburg! (PHOTOS)
Pavel Kuzmichev
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