The 4,200-capacity facility, which has been under construction since 2009, is located on the Kazanka River and is one of the largest indoor sports facilities in the country.

"The Palace will officially be opened April 12," Kazan 2013 organisers told R-Sport.

"On that day there will be an Opening Ceremony and a press conference, and also competitions in the Russian junior diving championships will begin."

For the first time, FINA have decided to follow up the World Aquatics Championships with the World Masters Championships for 2015, which will see around 10,000 athletes of all ages take part, with the event being largely held at the Aquatics Palace.

The 4,200-seat Aquatics Palace in Kazan will officially open its doors this Friday

Swimming events at both Championships will take place at a temporary pool, however, which will be located on the pitch at the currently under construction Kazan Stadium.

The football stadium, which will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the 2013 Universiade, holds 45,000 people at full capacity, but will be reduced to around 17,000 with temporary seating in place.

The main pool and diving pool at the Aquatics Palace will host diving and synchronised swimming competitions, as well as water polo finals.

The 2013 Summer Universiade is due to run from July 6 until 17.

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