The national beach soccer stadium to be used at next year’s European Games Minsk 2019 was officially opened today in the Belarusian capital.

Construction of the stadium, the only non-existing venue to be used at Minsk 2019, took only two months. In compliance with international standards, the capacity of the new arena is 1,300 spectators.

The venue will host the first test event for the European Games Minsk 2019: Stage 4 of the Euro Beach Soccer League from 3-5 August 2018. Four teams will compete – Belarus, Italy, Poland, and Turkey.

Deputy Minister of Sports and Tourism Alexander Baraulya said: “The upcoming 2nd European Games is a chance for beach soccer to show all that it has to offer. In 2018, a national beach soccer team was officially created in Belarus. The new stadium is one of the forms of state support for the preparation for the multi-sport event next year. The traditions created here will have great importance in the future.”

The Euro Beach Soccer League is a continental championship featuring the best men’s national teams. It will be the first time a stage of the competition will be held in Minsk. Belarus Beach Soccer Federation Chairman Sychev urged fans to come out and support the home team, as a good showing in the Euroleague will be important in preparations for the European Games, scheduled for 21-30 June 2019.

This Euroleague is part of Division A, where 12 teams compete over 5 stages. Each team will perform in two stages. The seven best teams in the standings will join the Italian team in the Superfinal (September 6-9), which Italy will host. The Belarusian team is currently in 6th place with 6 points. Their closest rivals, Italy and Poland, have 3 points each while Turkey has none. The table is led by Ukraine and Portugal, with 12 points each after six games.

The Euroleague games in Minsk will be free of charge for spectators.

Euroleague 2018 is qualifying competition for the 2nd European Games. In addition to the host country Belarus, the 6 best Superfinal teams will take part in the Games, as well as the winner of the Promofinal (from Division B). If the Belarusian team finishes in the top 6 of the Superfinal the seventh-place team will also earn a berth to the European Games.