Preparations have begun at Irkutsk Baikal Arena for the Davis Cup match between Russia and Italy, to be held September 18 to 20. The hall is already being protected, with new tennis flooring, extra lighting, and stands for 2.5 thousand spectators being installed. Ticket sales will start in the coming days, and the work is being carried out in line with all world class tournament requirements.
Preparatory work has begun in the hall at the Baikal-Arena sports facility for the Davis Cup. On September 2, the acting minister of physical culture, sports and youth policy of the Irkutsk Region, Pavel Rostovtsev, visited the complex.Work is underway in the indoor athletics arena. As reported by the technical director of the Russian Tennis Federation, Vladislav Stepanets, to protect the existing hall surface, a film has been laid down, and on top of it are sheets of tongue-and-groove chipboard, over which a vinyl covering and several layers of acrylic paint will be applied. To protect it from direct sunlight, the windows in the hall will be covered with film. The new surface will meet all the requirements for hosting a tennis tournament of world level. Installation work is underway on additional lighting; 29 more light fixtures will appear in the hall. In addition, stands for 2,500 spectators will be installed around the perimeter of the court.
Pavel Rostovtsev emphasized that extensive preparatory work is being carried out – installation of the court and stands, and creation of the necessary technical conditions. Ticket sales for the tournament will begin in the coming days.
As a reminder, a Davis Cup match will be held in Irkutsk from September 18 to 20, 2015. The tennis teams of Russia and Italy will meet in sporting competition.