Famous Fabergé Egg Provides Inspiration For Sochi 2014 Olympic Stadium

Sochi, Russia, February 22, 2007 – Russia’s world famous Fabergé egg is the inspiration for the stunning designs for Sochi 2014’s proposed Olympic Stadium, the International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission has heard. The stadium will act as the centrepiece for the country’s first ever Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, housing all major Olympic ceremonies.

The Fabergé egg, the embodiment of Russian artistry and incomparable skill, began with the Tsar Alexander III in 1884 when he offered a bejewelled Easter egg to his wife the Tsarina Maria. Leading sport venue architects, HOK sport, venue and event, took the basic design elements of the renowned egg and incorporated them into the style and design of the Olympic Stadium to create a harmonious and modern space that brings the unique excellence of Russia’s past to Sochi’s Games for the 21st century.

Nestled on the Black Sea coast, the stadium walls and roof are one continuous glass surface that reflects the brilliant sunlight off the sea during the day and is symbolic of the magnificent enamel and precious materials used in the fabrication of the Fabergé egg. The intimate seating bowl opens to the north and allows a breathtaking view of the Krasnaya Polyana mountains, while the upper deck provides a dramatic view of the Black Sea to the south. Designed to provide a maximum of convenience for the athletes, all athlete and official technical functions in the stadium are located on the same level as the field of play.

Jerry Anderson, Senior Prinicpal at HOK sport, venue and event, said:

"This highly innovative design was inspired by the famous Fabergé eggs in the search for a historic, cultural and symbolic imagery of Russia.  This unique design perfectly incorporates art, culture, high technology and functionality into one."

"The Sochi 2014 Olympic Stadium design is innovative and forward thinking whilst drawing upon the very unique setting of the venue on the coast and the unique culture of Russia. The Olympic Stadium is the jewel of the Games, just like the Fabergé eggs."

The Olympic Stadium will be used for the opening and closing ceremonies and features 40,000 seats, all under cover, and 60 luxury suites. Following the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2014, the stadium will serve as a training center and venue for the Russian Football National Team. The Stadium is located in the Olympic Park which presents a groundbreaking compact design, capable of enabling travel to and from competition and training venues in less than 10 minutes, a Winter Games first.