Borisov Arena is located at Borisov's very entrance from Minsk and is surrounded by high pine trees. Several days before BATE vs Roma game of the second stage of the UEFA Champions League the arena looked peaceful and nothing like the venue for one of the most important sport events of the month.
The impression changed rapidly once the BelTA reporters entered the stadium. Advertising shields were being dismantled around the stadium since only LED panels are used in the group stage of the Champions League.
Alexei Borovitsky, a specialist of the FC BATE development department, said that the LED panels are required by the UEFA. They are needed to precisely measure the display time of particular ads on live television.
The stadium personnel were busy brushing the grass. Belarusian grass has been placed inside Borisov Arena. According to the source, due to high loads in the previous season the previous surface had to be replaced. “We are proud of having Belarus-made grass here. Our specialists can work it now while last year we had to hire an English greenkeeper,” noted Alexei Borovitsky.
Borisov Arena personnel demonstrate a professional attitude to maintaining the grass. Some parts are never subjected to direct sunlight, this is why special lamps are utilized to grow quality grass in every part of the field.
Although it was obvious at first sight that both football clubs will have no complaints about the field in the evening on 29 September.
The changing room of the home team is a special place at every stadium. FC BATE has been creative about decorating the room.
Close attention was given to fans when Borisov Arena was designed and built.
The stadium has eight public catering outlets. Apart from that, FC BATE offers takeaway popcorn buckets bearing the club's emblem.
UEFA requires close attention to the guest fans sector. Borisov Arena's guest fans sector can seat 764 people. It also has a dedicated public catering outlet and a separate entrance.
Just like any other modern stadium Borisov Arena has areas dedicated to smoking. They are marked with yellow dashed lines, which non-smokers are discouraged to cross.
FC BATE souvenirs sell well during FC BATE games. The club plans to expand the choice and completely renew the collection soon. An online store will be arranged to offer products bearing the FC BATE logo.
The stadium prides itself on its own children care center. The center is popular not only during matches. The place is totally packed in the evening or during a game, noted the center's manager Natalia.
Reporters are granted access to a spacious press center and a lounge compliant with all the Champions League requirements.
Alexei Borovitsky noted they expect a lot of reporters to turn up for the forthcoming football game. He said the press center has every facility available to reporters.
Borisov Arena will enjoy the solitude of pine trees for a short while only since tomorrow the stadium will be filled to its 13,000 seat capacity.
The BATE vs Roma game of the UEFA Champions League second stage will begin at 21:45 (GMT+3). The referee is Mark Clattenburg (UK).
