The architectural concept of the Kazan Arena stadium was developed by the English company Populous, whose portfolio includes Wembley and Emirates in London, United Center in Chicago, Soccer City in Johannesburg, Olympic Stadium in Sydney and other world-famous sports venues. The architectural concept is based on the image of a water lily.

Uniqueness of the stadium as a building object is provided by overhead crossings over 120 meters in length and a light-permeable roof console, which is supported by only 8 reference points. Due to this solution, the design looks airy without losing reliability. Metal structures in the unique roof of the stadium are larger than in the roof of London's Wembley. Their total weight is 12 thousand tons.