News: June 2012
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Euro 2020: UEFA confirms timelines
Interested federations have time until September 2013 to confirm bidding for Euro 2020. Hosts will be chosen in May 2014 and UEFA confirms bids of more than two countries will be accepted.
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UEFA Super Cup: Surprising hosts – Cardiff and Tbilisi
Next year Super Cup games hit the road after 15 years at Stade Louis II in Monaco. Today hosts were announced for 2014 and 2015 editions – Cardiff City Stadium and Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, respectively.
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Euro 2012: Stadia filled beyond capacity, but seats left empty
One day before the final, tickets are again on sale. In previous fixtures thousands of seats were left empty even if declared attendance stood at 99%+. How about more transparency, UEFA?
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Paris: New giant stadium in the suburbs
Just as declared, today FFR announced the preferred location of their new national stadium. Not in Paris itself, but in the well communicated suburbs of Evry. Time to see the venue that will overgrow Stade de France.
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Sweden: Euro 2024 for Scandinavia?
So far only an early idea by the Swedish football association, but they are to examine chances to host the tournament with one or two of their neighbors. According to Karl-Erik Nilsson, Poland and Ukraine are a great example that not only major countries can cope with the challenge.
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New stadiums: Foggia and Fano
One of the largest venues in Italy that our database missed is now available for viewing. And since Italians scored 2 against Germany tonight, there’s also the Fano stadium to see.
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Wales: Another qualifying campaign without Millennium Stadium
Wales’ largest and national stadium in Cardiff will see no football in the upcoming 2014 World Cup campaign. All fixtures will be divided between Cardiff City Stadium and Liberty Stadium, WalesOnline.co.uk reports.
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New stadiums: Alicante, Cordoba, Lepe
From large venue of the World Cup to tiny, but cosy ground from the lower tiers. Today we take you on a journey through three stadia – one being rebuilt as we speak, one awaiting redevelopment and one freshly opened. All of them to celebrate Spain as Euro 2012 first finalists!
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Poland: Euro 2012 ends, but work at Warsaw’s stadium goes on
Officially finished, officially opened, officially operational. Unofficially work goes on installations inside National Stadium in Warsaw. When “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna” journalists found out, the operator of the ground pretended nothing is happening. But something is, apparently.
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Poland: UEFA to pay dearly for flaws at Wroclaw stadium
When Wroclaw municipality was handing over the venue to UEFA on May 11th, both sides agreed that Euro 2012 organizers will cover the cost of any defects caused during tournament. Today the bill reaches €100,000.
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New design: Crater complex in Ethiopia
Massive, but cheap. Modern, but very traditional. These are just a few things you can say about this design that just won international competition in Addis Ababa. A national stadium to be proud of is coming.
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Russia: Chaos in St. Petersburg – work stopped, costs rising
At this point Russia’s most expensive stadium may be close to becoming world’s most costly as well. And it’s not final as work is stopped, designers didn’t finish their job and parts of the structure may need dismantling.
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New stadiums: Podgorica and Taldykorgan
To some these two may sound exotically. OK, for us as well, at least Taldykorgan. But each of these two stadiums is well worth a visit, even if only a virtual one. Let’s take a break from Euro 2012 for a day now, shall we?
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Poland: New stadium construction to start in a week
Despite protests the Lodz municipality are set for groundbreaking on July 2nd. New stadium for 16,500 people and an indoor arena should be ready by Spring 2014 – “Dziennik Lodzki” reports.
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Iraq: 250,000 seats in one complex?!
As Kurdistani press agency AKnews informs, work is expected to start on a new “sports city”. This one, in Erbil, will overshadow all other complexes like this with its scale. Four largest venues are set to hold 250,000 people altogether.
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Paris: Location of France’s largest stadium on Friday
It will be the biggest competition to existing Stade de France, so no wonder it’s going to stand on the opposite side of Paris. Two locations are available and the final decision will be made on Friday, June 29th – info-stades.fr reveals.
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New construction: Stadion Yubileyniy Saransk
Their local team just earned promotion to the Premier League, not mentioning the upcoming 2018 World Cup. Saransk is doing a whole lot for the city of its modest size. FIFA has just visited and admires progress made. Now we can as well.
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New design: Chelsea unveils proposed Battersea stadium
Is it a last gasp attempt to convince sellers and supporters that a new ground is best for the future of Battersea? Be it that way or not, Chelsea have just published their vision of a future 60,000-seater integrated into the massive building.
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Euro 2012: Warsaw pitch in need of repair, Poznan and Wrocław to keep their grass
On Thursday Portugal and Czech Republic weren’t allowed onto the pitch ahead of their quarterfinal game in Warsaw. Condition of the pitch is alarming and parts of it will be relaid. It’s quite the opposite in Poznan and Wroclaw whose part in the tournament is over.
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New stadiums: Naval and Freamunde
Since Portugal won against Czech Republic tonight, we invite you to Figueira da Foz and 10 times smaller Freamunde. Difference between local stadiums isn’t equally big, even if Naval play in top tier, while Freamunde struggle one level lower.
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Poland: Stadium comedy goes on in Katowice
Three more months will architects work on final design of the new Katowice stadium. Their previous deadline passed on Tuesday, but only now people have been informed, which variant they’re working on – Sport.pl reveals.
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Euro 2012: All group games nearly sold out
One could see empty seats inside the stadiums during Euro 2012 group phase, but all venues have so far had average attendance of over 90% of their capacity.
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Euro 2012: Over 1,000,000 people – record broken, new one to come
Most previous Euro hosts have been working on results like these until semifinals or even final game. Meanwhile yesterday’s last group games brought total number of spectators to over 1 million people. Poland and Ukraine would have to witness a disaster not to set a new Euro record of attendance.
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Euro 2012: English supporters mock “coffin” threats in Donetsk
Not really a stadium case, but since we already wrote about the infamous BBC report suggesting racism in Poland and Ukraine is a serious threat to people. This time it’s English supporters who reacted to these sensations in Donetsk.
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New stadium: Gamla Ullevi
Though Gamla means „old”, this one definitely isn’t. Still, it inherited the name of its more famous predecessor. To celebrate Sweden winning against France tonight we invite you to Goteborg!
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Wales: Cardiff City Stadium to expand, though just opened
New stadium in Cardiff was opened just 3 years ago, but is already awaiting expansion as new Malaysian owner of the club intends to make them a Welsh powerhouse in the Premier League – BBC reports.
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Liverpool: “No one has ever addressed whether or not a new stadium is rational”
LFC owner John W. Henry gave a complex answer to TheAnfieldWrap.com about the plan for future stadium. Managing to evade the key (when will a decision be made), Henry speaks of pros and cons of both new ground and Anfield revamp.
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New: Stadion FK Drnovice
Just like host nation Poland, this stadium fell from heaven of being so close to hell of losing everything. Still, we wish all the best to Czech Republic and celebrate their win yesterday with adding this interesting venue.
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Canada: Yet another delay in Winnipeg
Though the club was denying claims of possible postponement of Investors Group Field's opening, those now came true. Official statement announces that instead of September 2012, the venue will be ready in early 2013.
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Brazil: Largest stadiums in national colours
Two of the most important stadiums in Brazil will have seats in national colours – it was announced. However configuration at Maracana will be completely different from the one at Estádio Nacional.
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New stadium: Once great venue in Nantes
To celebrate France's victory over Ukraine we publish a fresh presentation of Stade Marcel-Saupin, previous stadium of FC Nantes. Since the team left it wasn't used so much. Thus the city decided to change stands into offices and parking spaces.
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London: Opening ceremony idyllic and rural
Meadows instead of playing field, actual farm animals and 10,000 volunteers performing – this is what we can expect on July 27th. Director Danny Boyle plans to create an idyllic countryside enchanted with Shakespeare’s poetry and Paul McCartney’s music.
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Gdansk: Pitch in perfect condition
After Spanish national team gave negative comments regarding the pitch, UEFA representatives reviewed its quality. Results show grass is perfectly as required in terms of humidity, which was Spain’s main concern.
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Buenos Aires: Supporter dies after being stabbed at El Monumental
Tragic incident took place on Sunday evening in Buenos Aires as a fan was stabbed during a fight. Despite attempts to save his life, he passed away after several hours – C5N television reports.
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Brazil 2014: Record sales of hospitality packages
Though it’s only 7 months since premium seats at Brazilian stadiums went on sale for the 2014 World Cup, targeted income already exceeds expectations and is higher than total hospitality revenue from South Africa’s 2010 World Cup.
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Warsaw: National Stadium to change name before Euro 2012 ends?
Poland’s largest stadium should bear the name of Poland greatest coach – claims Ireneusz Raś, head of Sports Commission. Giving Kazimierz Górski patronage should be voted on tomorrow.
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New stadiums: Prague, Jihlava
Two goals by Czechs, so two new stadiums from the Czech Republic. Wasn’t all the way we planned, but despite Poland only drawing with Russia you may still have a look at these very nice venues.
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Poznan: Court announces Hydrobudowa and PBG’s bankruptcy
District Court of Poznan proclaimed one of the largest stadium contractors in Poland bankrupt. Now Hydrobudowa and mother company PBG have over 18,000 liabilities to pay off – Polish press agency PAP informs.
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Euro 2012: Poland and Ukraine going for attendance record!
Only in the first round of the group phase 356,000 people came to 8 stadia of the tournament. That means so far attendance is highest since the introduction of individual seats and 16-team format.
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New stadiums: Kyiv, Kyiv!
Ukrainians opened their Euro 2012 adventure with 2 goals in Kyiv, so we celebrate it with 2 stadiums from Kyiv. One even lying in the direct vicinity of tonight’s arena. Both small, but very important to the Premier Liga.
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Durban: World Cup stadium in the red or not?
On one hand people hear that Moses Mabhida Stadium has generated a big income since the 2010 World Cup. On the other the cost may have been even higher – IOL.co.za informs.
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Gdansk: Spain considering protest over pitch quality
Reigning World and European champions criticize quality of the pitch which supposedly was a factor leading to only a draw against Italy. Lawn is said to be too dry, which may cause official protest to UEFA – Associated Press reports.
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Gdansk: Public transport a success on opening day
Spain vs. Italy sold out and one out of two spectators arrived by train. They’re fast, quite comfortable and free for all. Hard to imagine Gdansk authorities initially didn’t plan a railway line to the stadium – Trojmiasto.pl writes.
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New stadium: Karlovac
A town known to outside world for its civil war and beer. However controversial it sounds, this is quite the image many people have of Croatia. A wonderful country whose win in Euro 2012 we celebrate today with adding the Karlovac stadium.
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Euro 2012: UEFA not to close Warsaw’s roof any more
After complaints on heat and humidity under closed retractable roof on Friday, UEFA decided not to use this feature any more, unless unexpected weather conditions force them to.
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Warsaw: Contractors pick investor to pieces
Companies behind the Warsaw National Stadium claim public authorities are manipulating data not to show that the construction cost hundreds of millions more than predicted. National Sports Center (NCS) supposedly has no budget reserves to cover costs and has been hiding it for months – report by “Rzeczpospolita”.
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New stadium: Lohrheidestadion
Now try and spell it if you’re not German. Yes, the name may be a tricky one, but the stadium is rather simple and quite elegant for an open athletics venue. Added to our database to honor Germany winning their Euro 2012 game. Something for Denmark fans there as well…
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London: Chelsea staying put and QPR moving out?
Local council assures Chelsea they will aid their redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, if the club decides to remain at its original home. Meanwhile nearby QPR plan on finding a new plot as there is no room for Loftus Road expansion.
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Euro 2012: Police working on Wroclaw beatings
Disturbing scenes shown in a YouTube clip present Russian thugs attacking stewards with no-one but other fans trying to calm the situation down. Four stewards were taken to hospital after this incident.
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Warsaw: Largest game of that kind
Euros have already been played at stadiums with roof covering the pitch. But never before was the attendance as high as in Warsaw’s opening game of Euro 2012. Crowd yesterday stood at 56,826 people.
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Paris: Mayor and PSG agree – Parc des Princes to be revamped
No option of moving to another venue is on the table. Parc des Princes will change a lot, but alterations are to come in two phases. First before Euro 2016, second one afterwards – the club informs.
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Euro 2012: Pick up your Fanguide
If you’re using the web to prepare for Euro 2012 excursions, we recommend our database and Venue Guide. But if you find yourself in the streets and need assistance, pick up a Fanguide 2012 from your nearest Fans Embassy.
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New stadiums: Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk
We decided to update every country that wins Turing Euro 2012. Since we’re Polish, not particularly happy about only Russia earning their 3 points. But hey, stadia in Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk are still well worth a look!
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Sweden: Stockholmsarenan sells naming rights
Second of Stockholm’s new stadium also managed to seal a naming rights deal before opening. Future home of both Hammarby and Djurgardens will be called Tele2 Arena – the operator announced.
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Euro 2012: Why some aren’t all too enthusiastic
The closer to the event, the more signs of discontent about Poland hosting Euro 2012. Though most people are still happy about it, it’s worth knowing why others aren’t.
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London: It’s official, Chelsea lost Battersea
Last week’s speculations are now confirmed. It’s Malaysian SP Setia and not Chelsea FC who will take over the Battersea power plant plot – “Guardian” reports. No stadium here then. Where next, Chelsea?
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New construction: Is this a Euro 2020 venue?
Turkey is growing strong ahead of UEFA’s vote on Euro 2020 hosts. Though with several more venues like this one the country might be able to fight for a World Cup in a few years. Let’s see how it looks in Konya, shall we?
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England: Fans are starting to speak up
Already when Lord Justice Taylor was writing his report on the Hillsborough disaster, he noted that supporters are sometimes treated in ways no-one should put up with. Years later fans are starting to speak up. Amanda Jacks reads all their complaints.
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Italy: Inter looks for a plot to build new stadium
And they plan for the whole process to last just 4 years. If “Nerrazurri” succeed, their new venue should be ready for the 2016/17 season – claims “Il Corriere dello Sport”.
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Warsaw: National Stadium is (literally) killing contractors
Polish construction industry was supposed to grow thanks to Euro 2012. Meanwhile one of the largest developer groups is falling apart and Warsaw's National Stadium is the direct reason to it.
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Brazil: Maracana half way there – needs to speed up
Measured on May 31st, the progress of works in Rio de Janeiro is estimated at 54%. Things need to go faster if the ground is to be ready by the end of March 2013.
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China: Spanish super cup to be played in Beijing from now on?
Chinese promoters have an unusual idea for Olympic Stadium's legacy. They plan to host Spanish super cup at the venue from 2013 on. Spanish football federation already signed a preliminary deal estimated to give them some €40m – EPA reveals.
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France: PSG halves away section
The Paris-based side issued application to decrease capacity of its away section by over 50%. As other clubs supported it unanimously, Ligue 1 agreed to follow the request - „Le Parisien” reports.
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Liverpool: Anfield redevelopment almost certain
The club is working with city council to redevelop Main and Anfield Road stands. Local residents would have to be relocated, which seems the last obstacle for LFC - “Guardian” reports.
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London: Leyton Orient again interested in sharing Olympic Stadium
London Olympic Stadium remains of top interest in England. This time Leyton Orient declare for the second time they might be interested in sharing the ground with a second team, most probably West Ham – guardian-series.co.uk informs.
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New designs: Three for Jastrzębie-Zdrój
A rather unknown Polish city was subject of Designers' Confrontation 3, competition launched at our domestic message board. Now you can see three of 8 works that we found standing out and worth presenting further.
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