KAZAN, June 30 (RIA Novosti) - The Universiade Village, a residential area to house athletes and officials taking part in the 2013 World University Games, officially began its work in Kazan on Saturday.
Kazan, the capital of the Volga area Republic of Tatarstan, is the host city of the 27th Summer Universiade. The games, due on July 6-17, are Russia’s first major international sporting event before the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics next February and the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
The construction of the Universiade Village, a neighborhood of 53 hectares, began in 2009. It has a total residential area of 274,000 square meters and can accommodate over 14,500 people.
The Universiade Village premises also house the main restaurant for participants, with an area of 12,500 square meters and a medical facility, as well as an information center with the University Sports Museum.
Prior to and after the Games the complex will serve as a student campus for the Kazan Federal University and the Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism.
