On October 14, 2009, the stadium hosted its first official international match: thenational team of Kazakhstan met thenational team of Croatia as part of the qualifying tournament for the2010 World Cup. The match was won 2-1 by the guests, the decisive goal was scored only in injury time.[9]
On June 27, 2017 and June 29, 2019 world starsDimash Kudaibergen "Bastau" and "Arnau" performed in concerts[13][14][15] which attracted 30,000 and 40,000 spectators. 13,500 spectators from 65 countries attended the "Arnau" concert.[16]
In February 2020, the Astana Arena, the glass roof inserts collapsed under the load of snow and ice weighing tons; it eventually fell into the hall. No-one was injured.
On 13 & 14 September 2024, the arena hosted 2 concerts,part of Dimash Qudaibergen's Stranger tour[17][18]
The 30,000-seat stadium was conceived as a large amphitheater with a distinctive and instantly recognizable form when viewed from a distance and from close proximity. Essentially a two·tiered structure, the lower terrace, accommodating 16,000 seats, encircles the playing area while the upper stand on the east and west sides seats a further 14,000 spectators.[5] There is effective separation of VIPs, spectators and players to ensure smooth access. All spectators are seated and have a clear sight line with an unobstructed view of the field of play. The playing surface is covered in a high quality grass surface specified to meet FIFA and UEFA criteria. The grass can be covered for other events.
The stadium, designed on anelliptic form, is constructed on a 232,485 m² (330m x 704.5m) rectangular site. The design introduces innovative solutions adopting high technology principles for operational management, interaction with the environment and especially with harsh climatic conditions of the geography.[19]