Khokkeyny Sports Palace

The Ice Palace is a modern multi-purpose arena that has become one of the main symbols of sporting life in Saint Petersburg. Built on the site of a former wasteland specifically for the 2000 IIHF World Championship, this complex is now the home arena for the famous SKA hockey club and a key venue for large-scale entertainment events in Russia.

Ice Sports Palace. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This unique structure impresses with its versatility: it can transform from an ice rink into a concert hall or exhibition center in just a few hours. The seating capacity allows thousands of spectators to simultaneously enjoy dynamic games or grand shows, while modern multimedia equipment ensures high-quality sound and visuals.

Today, the palace is not just a stadium, but a full-fledged cultural and entertainment hub. It hosts not only hockey battles but also ice shows, figure skating championships, and performances by world-class stars. For residents and guests of the city, this place is associated with an atmosphere of celebration, excitement, and vivid emotions.

To plan your visit to the Ice Palace in Saint Petersburg, it is helpful to have up-to-date contact information. You can check the match schedule or ticket availability on the official website or by phone.

A visit to the Ice Palace offers city guests plenty of opportunities for active and spectacular leisure. The main draw for tourists, of course, is the KHL hockey matches. The atmosphere at SKA's home games is always electric, and even if you aren't a die-hard fan, the scale of the show and the energy of the crowd will leave an unforgettable impression.

Beyond sports, the arena is known as one of the city's best concert venues. It regularly hosts performances by global and Russian stars, large-scale show programs, and ice spectacles. Thanks to the hall's transformation system, every event becomes a unique visual experience. On days when no competitions are held, the complex often opens its doors for public ice skating, making it a great spot for family time.

For those interested in more than just sports, the palace offers facilities for business events, ranging from conferences to corporate parties with banquets. Visitors can also watch competitions in figure skating, moto trials, and even ballroom dancing, highlighting the complex's status as one of the most versatile sports facilities in the Northern Capital.

The modern Ice Palace is located at Zhdanovskaya Ulitsa, 2. Although the facility is situated in the northern part of the city, reaching it is easy thanks to the well-developed transport network. The main landmark for tourists is the Prospekt Bolshevikov metro station (Line 4), from which the arena is just a 5–10 minute walk, heading towards Prospekt Pyatiletok.

If you prefer ground public transport, numerous buses and shuttle buses stop near the complex. For those taking a taxi from the city center, the trip will take about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Coordinates for navigation: 30.2801036, 59.9575843.

Parking is available at the palace for those with personal vehicles. However, keep in mind that on days of major hockey games or concerts by popular artists, spots fill up very quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early or use a taxi to avoid parking difficulties.

The history of this iconic venue began in 1998, when the decision was made to build a new large-scale arena to host the 2000 IIHF World Championship. The project was completed in record time—work was carried out around the clock, and by April 20, 2000, the facility was officially commissioned. The Russian and Canadian national teams were the first to test the ice during friendly matches, and the author of the very first goal in this arena was Maxim Sushinsky.

Although the World Championship itself was a difficult challenge for the Russian national team, the Ice Palace quickly became the city's premier sports venue. Interestingly, the opening took place under conditions of strict secrecy and haste: finishing touches were completed just hours before the start of the competition, and the first visitors could still smell construction dust—though this did not spoil the solemnity of the moment.

Over decades of operation, the palace has witnessed many triumphs. It has hosted the IIHF European Champions Cup four times, with Russian clubs emerging victorious every single time. The arena saw the "golden" seasons of SKA in the KHL and has hosted major world championships not only in hockey but also in handball, as well as Grand Prix figure skating events.

Today, the complex has over 500 concerts by world stars and hundreds of high-level sports events to its credit. It has evolved from a simple stadium into a true cultural center capable of transforming for any need: from ice shows to large-scale business conferences.

The amount of time you should set aside for a visit depends directly on the purpose of your trip. If you plan to attend a hockey match or a music concert, we recommend allocating at least 3–4 hours. This includes time for security checks, watching the event itself, and a relaxed exit from the complex after it ends.

For those who just want to go ice skating during public sessions or drop by for a quick look around, 1.5–2 hours will be sufficient. If you wish to combine a sports event with lunch at nearby restaurants or a walk in the vicinity, it is best to set aside half a day for the entire visit.

The doors of the Ice Palace are open to visitors throughout the week, though the exact schedule often depends on the schedule of events being held. On regular days, the following routine is observed:

• Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 22:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 21:00
• Sunday: 09:00 – 22:00

Please note that on match or concert days, access to the complex may be restricted for those without tickets to the specific event. We strongly recommend checking the official website before your visit to confirm the current operating hours for the rink or ticket offices.

Exploring the surrounding area after an event at the Ice Palace can significantly enrich your trip. The district offers a variety of leisure options, from extreme rides to cozy walking areas and modern cultural spaces.