I. Metshin: “You may not be a fan of football, but you need to feel this energy”

(KZN.RU, June 18, Alsu Safina). Kazan will continue to fight for the right to hold major events of a global scale. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, announced it today at a press conference in the city's press center of the World Cup. According to him, such events make the city even more comfortable and bring it to a higher level. The head of the city shared his impressions of the championship, told how many flowers were planted this year in Kazan, and also what effect is expected from holding the World Cup.

The first match of six in Kazan entered the history of the World Cups. For the first time, the referee appointed a penalty after watching the video replay. “We went down in history thanks to the Uruguayan arbiter at the match France – Australia, we have already distinguished ourselves from other cities”, said Ilsur Metshin. Another feature was the 4-ton chak-chak, which was presented on June 14 at the FIFA Fan Festival site near the Family Center “Kazan”.

Ilsur Metshin noted that the first game also showed that this tournament is different from all the others that were held before at the stadium. “We checked “Kazan Arena” at the Universiade, at the World Championships in Water Sports, the Confederations Cup. The World Cup is a completely different event”, said the Mayor. “We predicted several ways of its holding, but not everything turned out as we thought it would be. Now we are working in real-time mode”.

Fans from Australia and France came to Kazan to support their teams. “It’s pleasing, thousands of Australians with their T-shirts and emotions adorned the stadium. The French came as well. This is a whole different city”, Ilsur Metshin shared his impressions.

The Mayor of Kazan also commented on the results of the first matches played. “The results are encouraging. There are new names, new stars”, said Ilsur Metshin.

Ilsur Metshin also visited the opening match, which was held in the Moscow's Stadium “Luzhniki”. “I enjoyed everything very much, our colleagues are well prepared”, he said.

For 4 days, 150 thousand people visited the Fan Fest. Ilsur Metshin recommended everyone to visit the Fan Festival. “People come across the ocean, 10 thousand fans flew to us from Australia, and we are too lazy just to walk there. You may not be a fan of football, but you need to feel this energy, this holiday and enjoy the atmosphere”, said Ilsur Metshin.

With the beginning of the World Cup, the hotels’ load on average amounted to 80-90%, there are hotels that are 100% loaded. “We expect about 200 thousand people until July 6. We will be happy if there will be more of them”, said the head of the city. He drew attention to the fact that later, the analysis will be held on how many days tourists stay in the city, what places in the city they like the most. “We know from guides and restaurateurs that they are satisfied with the flow of tourists and their desire to buy souvenirs, treats, and food”, noted I. Metshin.

In general, a delayed synergetic effect is expected, when tourists who have visited Kazan will tell their friends and family that this city is worth a visit. “Each tourist brings with him future opportunities for our city”, believes the Mayor.

The next matches will be held on July 20 and 24. On Wednesday, Iran and Spain teams will play in Kazan, and on Sunday, it will be Poland and Colombia. The Mayor of Kazan invited everyone to the Tatar national holiday Sabantuy as well.

Much attention was paid to improvement in preparation for the World Cup in Kazan. A promenade was organized from the metro station “Kozya Sloboda” on Dekabristov Street. Ilsur Metshin spoke about plans to make a bridge from the “Tatmedia” building to the Chasha.

In addition, the first part of the improvement of the embankment of Kaban Lake has been completed. “Yesterday I drove nearby in the evening, I looked at the number of people on the embankment. 80% are residents of Kazan”, said I. Metshin and added that the work on improving the embankments of the Kaban Lake will be continued.

This year they planted a record number of flowers: 7 million. This is twice as much as in the year of the Universiade.

The FIFA World Cup will last a month. However, this holiday will remain a golden page in the history of our city, republic and country, believes Ilsur Metshin.

The Mayor recalled that in 2007, few believed that Kazan would become a tourist city and would receive 1 million tourists a year. However, the city was visited by 1.5 million tourists in 2013. The number of volunteers has increased, which take part in competitions of different levels and visited different countries.

Ilsur Metshin drew attention to the level of security at such events as the World Cup. He asked residents and visitors of the city to be understanding about inspection of cars by traffic police.

Every such event of a global scale changes Kazan, its infrastructure and residents, believes Ilsur Metshin. “We will continue to fight for any event that brings Kazan’s comfort, security, the well-being of life to a higher level”, concluded the Mayor.