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 late 2023. The facility will blend virtual and real-world competitions, marking a first for the Primorsky Krai region. Funding for the project comes from a 95 million ruble federal grant. Construction is already underway at 2 Aviatsionnaya Street, where the foundation slab has been laid. Crews are now installing drainage, water supply, and electrical systems, along with high-speed internet connections. The site will also see improvements to the surrounding area before opening.

The centre will feature high-performance computers, specialised software, and VR stations for hybrid tournaments. After launch, it will host phygital football and basketball competitions, with final scores combining real and virtual performances.

B2G Bilain Business, the company behind the project, secured tenders to build three such centres across Russia. Two more facilities are planned for Kaliningrad and Strezhevoi in Tomsk Oblast, with completion expected by 2026. The Knevichi centre is part of the federal Business Sprint initiative, overseen by Russia’s Ministry of Sports.

Unlike traditional venues, this centre is assembled from modular units. As a result, it does not qualify as a capital construction project, allowing for faster completion. The Knevichi centre is scheduled to open in October or November. Once operational, it will offer a new way to compete in sports, merging physical and digital play. The project serves as a pilot for future phygital facilities planned in other regions.