Donbass Arena – tournament stadium description

This stadium wasn’t built specifically for Euro 2012. It wasn’t even built by any sort of authorities – local or central. It’s quite simply the first privately owned venue of that class in Eastern Europe, built at Rinat Akhmetov’s pleasure. Europe’s richest billionaire gave the venue to Donetsk and his own club, Shakhtar.

Though not meant for Euro, it was among key arguments when it comes to persuading UEFA that Ukraine and Poland are actually able to build a modern stadium. The proof was clearly visible as a vision of top class architects was taking shape already when the executive committee cast their votes. Donbass Arena, named after region, was ready in mid-2009 when other host cities were just starting to erect their arenas. However at quite a price – initially estimated at $250m it allegedly cost $400m in the end.

Euro 2012 games

Average attendance: 47,700