Arena Market: Russia

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, international touring to the country has ceased. Venues’ calendars are now filled with domestic acts, shows, and conventions such as the Chinese Motor Show.

Before the war, acts would perform at the likes of Moscow’s Megasport Palace (11,001) and MTS Live Arena (11,000), and the 4,000-cap A2 Green Concert in St Petersburg.

Concerts also took place at Crocus City Hall (6,000). It was severely damaged in a terrorist attack in March, which tragically saw 145 people lose their lives and more than 500 people injured. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.

Outside the two main cultural centres of the capital and St Petersburg, more adventurous acts would reach cities such as Novosibirsk, Vladivostok, Krasnodar and Yekaterinburg.