The country's main speed skating arena with perfect ice -
Alau Ice Palace is assigned the role of one of the most high-tech sports facilities in the world ranking 6th in the global ranking of speed skating rinks. This majestic complex in the Yesil district of Astana opened in 2011 for the VII Winter Asian Games became the site for establishing 9 continental records.
Located within walking distance of the Astana Botanical Garden and Astana Arena Stadium Alau is the main base for national teams and a favorite place for public skating for residents and guests of the capital of Kazakhstan.
The place impresses with its scale and futuristic architecture developed by the Kazakh bureau VL under the leadership of Vladimir Laptev. The interior space with an area of more than 65 thousand square meters is designed to provide maximum comfort for spectators and athletes near Abu Dhabi Plaza Mall.
Here high technologies for creating fast ice are combined with developed infrastructure making the palace the sports gateway of the capital in the heart of Eurasia near the Mangilik El Triumphal Arch.
The ice palace is recognized as the most beautiful indoor rink in the world by specialized publications offering unique conditions for hockey short track figure skating and curling. Thanks to its convenient location a visit to Alau is easy to combine with a walk along Ulytau Alley or a rest in Linear Park. A visit to the complex allows you to see the power of the country's modern sports industry and feel the spirit of great achievements that permeates this unique world-class object.
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How to get there and visit -
Alau Ice Palace is located at: 47 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue left bank of the Esil River Yesil district Astana city Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°06'17"N 71°24'18"E
You can reach the ice palace by buses following to the stops Alau Ice Palace or Astana Arena Stadium. Routes numbered 10, 12, 807, 60, 309, 803, 37, 801, 53, 303, 301, 51, 308 lead here.
For visitors by car ground parking is provided from the side of Zhanibek Tarkhan Street.
Official Instagram page
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History
The history of the Alau Ice Palace is inextricably linked with the preparations for the 2011 Asiada. Construction began in 2007 according to the project of Vladimir Laptev the former chief architect of the capital. Finishing in 2010 the complex immediately became an arena of triumph for speed skaters and just a year later rose to the 6th line of the world ranking among 641 rinks on the planet.
During its operation the palace has hosted many stages of the World Cup and became the home of the National Speed Skating Federation. In 2019 international experts recognized it as the most beautiful rink in the world confirming its status as an architectural gem. The history of Alau is an example of how the legacy of major games continues to serve the city hosting up to 200,000 people during the public skating season.
Information
Alau Ice Palace is a multifunctional center with an area of 65,000 sq m. The heart of the complex is the ice arena with a 400-meter track and stands for 7,462 seats. Inside there are two hockey courts a fitness center in the south tower a fencing club a universal gym for basketball and mini-football as well as a hotel and a restaurant.
Technical equipment allows for creating the ideal surface for different disciplines. For public skating which takes place from October to April skate rental sharpening and auxiliary equipment for beginners are available.
The complex operates daily except Monday. Benefits are provided for children from large families and people with disabilities making sports accessible to everyone.
Detailed description of the object
A walk through Alau opens up a world of high sports technologies to visitors. The palace lobbies lead to the main arena where thanks to modern air conditioning a comfortable temperature is maintained in the stands while preserving the quality of the ice. The complex features 13 locker rooms rooms for referees and press conferences allowing for events of any level of complexity.
On weekends Alau turns into a center of attraction for citizens. Public skating here takes place in the unique atmosphere of championship ice. Near the palace there are landscaped areas connecting it with Linear Park and Ulytau Alley creating a single space for recreation. The evening illumination of the facade makes the building a bright landmark on the architectural map of the new administrative center.
Architecture
The architectural appearance of the Alau palace created by the VL bureau reflects the dynamics of winter sports. The smooth forms of the facade and large-scale glazing symbolize the transparency of ice and speed. The building harmoniously combines with neighboring objects of the Yesil district such as the Triumphal Arch and the Astana Arena stadium. The internal layout effectively separates zones for professional training and public leisure.
Legend and conclusion
There is an opinion that the ice of Alau possesses a special energy that helps even amateurs set personal records. Alau Ice Palace is not just a rink but a symbol of modern Kazakhstan open to world standards and sporting peaks.
A visit to Alau is a must for those who want to see one of the best stadiums in the world and spend time on the fastest ice in the CIS surrounded by the iconic landmarks of the capital.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Gratitude to the Kazakh People Monument;
• Barys Arena Multifunctional Ice Palace;
• Qazaqstan Athletics Complex;
• Nazarbayev Center.
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