Experience of true Siberian culture. See something rare in the world, but popular and favorite for the local Irkutsk people.
The unique experience of getting acquainted with Russia. Join a guide to visit the outdoor hockey arena and enjoy old-style Russian hockey and fan activity around the game. It is called bandy or ‘hockey with the ball’ and is played on ice. The gameplay is similar to regular ice hockey and soccer at the same time.
The match is 90 minutes long in total and is divided into two parts of 45 minutes. Each team consists of 11 skaters. In 2014 Irkutsk hosted the bandy world cup and it is going to repeat that in 2020. Winter matches are played on outdoor arenas, so it can be cold outside, the maximum cold is -25 but up to 0 degrees Celsius sometimes, and it is warm inside the fans.
Stadiums
First stadium: Record, 30 minutes from downtown.
Video from Record: https://youtu.be/E_wj_EO2X-M
Second stadium: Trud in the center of Irkutsk.
Video from Trud: https://youtu.be/NzQfu0sfMpI
Meeting location
Monument to Lenin. Karl Marx street and Lenin street road crossing.
Pick-up and drop-off at the traveler’s location are available as an extra option when booking.
Itinerary
PM 5:30-6:30
Meet the guide at the monument Lenin.
The more accurate pick-up time will be provided during booking.
PM 7:00
Game starts
PM 7:45
End of 1st period
Hot tea with traditional Russian snacks
PM 8:30
Game ends
PM 9:00
Return to the starting location
Inclusions
- Pick up and drop off at the monument to Lenin
- English speaking guide/fan of the local team
- All needed transportation
- Hot tea and snacks
- Tickets to the game
Exclusions
- Pick up and drop off at traveler’s location (bookable)
- Drinks and meals on top of what is included
This is an outdoor activity
Be ready to spend outside about 1 hour and 30 minutes, if you want to see which team wins the game. The activity can be stopped or canceled at any time by the participants if it is too cold outside.
Recommended wear
- Thermal underwear and socks
- Mittens or warm gloves
- Winter shoes
- Winter hat
- Sweater
- Scarf