The project to build a digital center with a universal hall in Kirov has been recognized as one of the best and will compete for the right to become the winner of the SBK 2025 award in the "Concept of the Year"category.

One of the largest digital centers in Russia will be built in Kirov by the end of 2026 thanks to a public-private partnership. The concession agreement on the creation and operation of the digital center was signed between the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Kirov Region and the infrastructure holding Company JSC Management Company "Infratech Concessions", which is part of the Rostec State Corporation, in January 2025.

The total area of the sports complex will be 2,706 sq. m., which will combine a large universal hall, sports grounds for playing sports, VR zones, game consoles, a computer center for esports, as well as a laser tag area.

Andrey ShishkinManaging Director of the infrastructure holding Company JSC Management Company "Infratech Concessions": "The rapid development of digital sports in Russia is also dictated by the interest of young people in information technologies. This is an integral part of the life of modern people. Our goal is to create conditions and infrastructure for interesting and active recreation, for playing sports and developing new skills." The digital center is being built as part of the federal project "Business Sprint". It includes both a building with esports zones and outdoor sports grounds.

Minister of Sports of the Kirov Region Sergey Sulik: "The Kirov region keeps up with the times and develops modern sports. Recently, our athletes proved this by becoming the winners of the Volga Federal District Digital Sports Championship in the "rhythm simulator" discipline. Previously, our athletes have already demonstrated high results on the international stage, participating in the Games of the Future. I am sure that such sites are just the beginning. Modern technologies combined with physical activity are not only interesting for young people, but also unite generations."

Sergey Sulik noted that the first digital center was opened in Kirov this year as part of the Business Sprint project. And it has already become a center of attraction for fans of innovative disciplines: competitions and training sessions are regularly held.

For the eighth time, the SBK Award brings together sports business professionals: construction, management, technology and innovation. The founder of the award is the magazine " SBK. Sport Business Consulting", an information and analytical publication about people, knowledge and technologies in the sports business industry.

At the next stage of the competition, the finalist companies will defend their projects before an expert jury consisting of reputable experts from the sports business industry. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony, which will be held on April 18 at the Palace on Yauza.

This year's award will bring together 250 key industry experts as part of a jury that will evaluate 841 applications from participants from all over the world in 27 categories, such as stadiums, arenas, manufacturers, construction and architectural firms, technologies, startups, and events of the year. The winners will receive a traditional prize – a unique Golden Globe of the author's work. Prizes will be awarded only to the best companies, managers, facilities and projects in 2024 and early 2025.