ASTANA – The capital’s main Christmas tree, as well as the ice rink, will be situated on the expo grounds, said EXPO 2017 commericialisation department director Daulet Yerkimbayev.
“We are opening a unique ice rink. Its area is more than 3,500 square kilometres. It will be no ordinary shape. I can assure you that there have not been such ice rinks before in our country. In addition to this, the main Christmas tree is also to be relocated to the expo territory. Both the ice rink and the Christmas tree will be located near the Nur Alem sphere. The ice town, beloved by the locals and which used to be located near Khan Shatyr [Entertainment Centre], will also be moved to the territory of expo. This is being done in cooperation with the Astana Akimat (city administration),” he said.
The tourist zone opening will be held Nov. 11, with promo days Nov. 11-12. Entrance will be free for all visitors on both days.
Tickets will officially go on sale Nov. 14. The 1,500 tenge (US$4.50) fee for adults and 500 tenge (US$1.50) for children covers entrance to the Nur Alem national pavilion, thematic pavilions and best practices zone. Admission is free for World War II veterans, invalids of all groups, orphans, mothers with many children and youngsters under six.
For visitors’ convenience, an underground parking lot designed for 1,000 vehicles will be available.
“The cost of the underground parking is actually very low. The first three hours are absolutely free for all visitors and every subsequent hour will cost 100 tenge (US$0.30),” said Yerkimbaev.
