Supporters at the World Cup are finding themselves watching games under open skies at either end of this unique stadium.

The Ekaterinburg Arena normally holds 23,000 fans, but Fifa's requirement that all host stadiums be able to seat at least 35,000, presented a problem.

The stadium, which opened in 1957, was a protected landmark and its historical facade - replete with columns, bas-reliefs and stucco details in the Soviet, neoclassical style - had to be preserved.

So the organisers came up with a novel idea.

Why not build two temporary, 45-metre stands outside the venue and offer the fans a view through big holes at either end of the ground?