Russia's First Phygital Sports Centre Nears Completion in Knevichi by Late 2023

A new phygital sports centre is set to open in Knevichi, Artemovsky Urban District, by the end of 2023. The facility, located at 2 Aviatsionnaya Street, will combine virtual and real-world athletic competitions. Construction is already underway, with 95 million rubles allocated from the federal budget for the project. The centre is part of Russia’s federal Business Sprint initiative, led by the Ministry of Sports. It follows Primorsky Krai’s earlier success in hosting international phygital hockey tournaments and operating a similar facility at Far Eastern Federal University.

Work on the site has progressed quickly. The foundation slab is complete, and crews are now installing utilities and improving the surrounding area. Unlike traditional builds, the structure is assembled from modular units, avoiding classification as a capital construction project. B2G Bilain Business, the contractor, secured tenders for three such centres across Russia, including locations in Kaliningrad and Strezhevoi, Tomsk Oblast. Once open, the Knevichi facility will feature high-performance computers, VR stations, and specialised software for hybrid competitions. Phygital football and basketball tournaments are planned for the venue. The centre is expected to launch in October or November, offering athletes a mix of digital simulations and traditional sports formats.

The Knevichi centre will expand Primorsky Krai’s role in phygital sports. Equipped with advanced technology, it will host regional and potentially national competitions. The project marks another step in Russia’s push to integrate digital innovation with physical athletics.