Chelsea will continue their 2024/25 Europa Conference League campaign on Thursday, 12 December when Astana welcome them to Almaty Central Stadium, rather than their usual home, Astana Arena.
It has been a relatively straightforward tournament for the Blues so far, with Enzo Maresca's side winning all four of their opening fixtures so far, racking up a goal difference of 15 in the process.
It has been a successful campaign off the pitch too, with talks continuing over a new Chelsea stadium.
That form, combined with Chelsea currently occupying second place in the Premier League, has cultivated a feel-good factor among the fanbase, who have travelled well across Europe this term. If you are going to be at the stadium come kick-off on Thursday, here is everything you need to know about the Astana away section.
Who are Astana?
By football standards, Astana are a team still in its infancy having been founded as recently as 2009. They are a Kazakhstan-based side who compete in the country's top division.
In the 2023 season, Astana finished second in the table, while they currently occupy the same position for the 2024 instalment.
Given Astana have existed for only 15 years, it is perhaps not a surprise to learn that the club have never competed in the Champions League. They are, however, regulars in European football and often compete in the Europa Conference League and Europa League.
Why are Astana playing at the Almaty Central Stadium?
If you are familiar with Astana as a team, then you will know that their home stadium is ordinarily the Astana Arena – a whopping 30,000-seat venue which is the largest of its kind in the entire country.
It makes for a wonderful host of European football, but unfortunately, is currently unable to do so due to major renovations taking place at the site.
This has resulted in far greater logistical issues for Chelsea, who must now travel an extra 750 miles south of Astana to Almaty, where the game is now being played at the Central Stadium.
Thankfully, this is an equally impressive venue that has been used as a home by the Kazakhstan national team many times over the years. It is slightly smaller, boasting just over 23,000 seats – although that could potentially allow for a livelier atmosphere on the night.
Where is the Astana away section?
Due to the change of plans for this fixture, there has been very little information regarding the Astana aways section for this match readily available online.
Astana themselves are not regular users of this ground after all.
However, what we can say is that at the Almaty Central Stadium, away fans usually occupy a section of seats in the corner of the venue's East Stand, and that will more than likely be the case for this match too.
Nights like Sunday night happen because of fans like you, Blues: the best fans on the planet! ?#CFC | #TOTCHE pic.twitter.com/ROz9nCyGhC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 10, 2024
What is the Astana away section like?
The away section at the Astana Arena is fantastic, but, as touched upon above, this match is no longer being played at that venue and has been moved to the Almaty Central Station.
However, the new host's away section will likely impress also, with the stadium featuring an array of modern technologies having been renovated as recently as 2011.
The ground also features a bowl-like design, which means that unless created by the event organisers, travelling Chelsea fans will not be divided in the stadium. This should make it far easier for Blues supporters to create an excellent atmosphere.
Best pubs in Almaty
Although the match is no longer being played in Kazakhstan's capital city Astana, Almaty is still a major city and has plenty to offer when it comes to places to get those pre-match drinks in before the game.
Our top three suggestions are as follows:
- Guinness Pub, Dostyk Ave 71, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
- Harat's Pub, Ulitsa Kozybayeva 199, Almaty 050059, Kazakhstan
- The Shakespeare Pub, Dostyk Ave 40, Almaty 050100, Kazakhstan
Chelsea allocation for Astana away section
Chelsea have received a ticket allocation of 1,187 for this game, which means the Blues will make up less than 10% of the Almaty Central Stadium on matchday. This is a relatively low allocation and as such, it should be no surprise to learn that the tickets sold out extremely quickly.
For those lucky enough to secure tickets, it is worth noting that the club has implemented a strict collection policy. You will receive an emailed voucher, which you must present, along with a valid passport, to collect your ticket(s) ahead of the game.