Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex
Photo: Валерий Дед · CC BY 3.0 · source
- Capacity
- 70,050
- Year opened
- 1923
- Club
- FC Dynamo Kyiv
- Country
- Ukraine
Overview
About the stadium
NSC Olympic is the national stadium of Ukraine and the largest sports arena in the country. It is located in the heart of Kyiv, near the historic center and the famous Pechersk Lavra. The stadium has a capacity of 70,050 spectators and serves as the home ground for the Ukrainian national team, as well as an occasional venue for Dynamo Kyiv during major home matches.
First opened in 1923, NSC Olympic has undergone several renovations throughout the 20th century. A significant total reconstruction took place from 2008 to 2011, when the stadium was completely modernized for the needs of UEFA Euro 2012. The result is a modern arena with a glass façade and a translucent membrane roof covering all seats.
The stadium made football history twice within the decade: in 2012, it hosted the UEFA Euro final (Spain–Italy 4:0) and in 2018, the UEFA Champions League final (Real Madrid–Liverpool 3:1). These two events made Olympic one of the most prestigious venues in modern European football.
Key Facts
- Capacity: 70,050 spectators (all seats covered)
- Opened: 1923 (original construction), reopened on October 8, 2011
- Location: Center of Kyiv, Ukraine
- Architect of renovation: Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp)
- Certification: UEFA category 4
History
Journey through time
Origins in the Soviet Era (1923–2008)
The stadium was first opened in 1923 as a sports center for the then-Soviet Kyiv. Over the decades, it underwent several phases of expansion and repair; in the 1960s and 1970s, it was one of the largest stadiums in the USSR with a capacity exceeding 100,000 seats. The name Olympic refers to the Olympic tradition—the stadium has borne various names reflecting the political changes of the time. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, it became a symbol of independent Ukraine and the primary venue for its national team matches.
Total Reconstruction 2008–2011
A pivotal moment in the stadium's history was UEFA's decision to entrust Ukraine (together with Poland) with hosting UEFA Euro 2012. Kyiv was selected as the venue for the final, which required a radical reconstruction. The renovation began in August 2008 and lasted 38 months. The project was designed by the renowned Hamburg studio Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp).
The reconstruction included the demolition and construction of a new lower sector, an entirely new western stand featuring a two-level press center, luxurious skyboxes between both levels of the stands, and the addition of a 17-story Sheraton Kyiv Olimpiysky hotel directly adjacent to the complex. A characteristic element of the new design is the translucent synthetic membrane roof covering 100% of the seats and the glass façade of the exterior.
The stadium was ceremonially reopened by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on October 8, 2011. The following day, an extravagant concert by Shakira took place, and on November 11, 2011, the inaugural match was held—a friendly game between Ukraine and Germany ended in a 3:3 draw.
Euro 2012 Final — Spain 4:0 Italy
On July 1, 2012, the Olympic hosted the UEFA Euro 2012 final in front of 63,170 spectators. Spain delivered a generational performance: goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, and Juan Mata resulted in a score of 4:0—the most decisive victory in European Championship history. Spain thus achieved an unprecedented third major title in a row (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012).
Champions League Final 2018 — Real Madrid 3:1 Liverpool
On May 26, 2018, the Olympic became the stage for another historic final—this time the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 3:1, becoming the first team to win the title three times in a row (2016, 2017, 2018) in the Champions League era. The hero of the night was substitute Gareth Bale, who entered the pitch in the 61st minute and scored two goals to decide the match—the first of which was a spectacular overhead kick, instantly recognized as one of the most beautiful goals in Champions League history.
Post-2022
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the operation of the stadium was significantly restricted. International football events and league matches were moved abroad or suspended. The Olympic was used at various stages of the conflict for non-commercial and logistical purposes. The return of league football to the stadium occurred gradually and in a limited capacity, but the international capacity of the arena remained dependent on the current security situation.
Clubs & teams
Atmosphere
Matchday
Yellow and Blue Passion
The atmosphere at the Olympic is unmistakable—the yellow and blue colors, the colors of the Ukrainian flag and Dynamo Kyiv, blend into one emotional whole. For major international matches, the stadium fills with tens of thousands of passionate fans who support their national team with loud chants and flags. The enclosed roof creates a natural acoustic effect, making the noise from the stands during key matches monumental.
Dynamo Kyiv — Lobanovsky's Legacy
The most significant club associated with the Olympic is Dynamo Kyiv, one of the most celebrated football clubs in the history of Soviet and post-Soviet football. The legendary coach Valeriy Lobanovsky led Dynamo to two victories in the Cup Winners' Cup (1975, 1986) and created one of the most innovative football systems of the 20th century, nicknamed the "Dynamo School." Lobanovsky shaped entire generations of players and also coached the Ukrainian national team.
From the Kyiv academy emerged world stars—most notably Andriy Shevchenko, the greatest Ukrainian footballer of all time. Shevchenko, the 2004 Ballon d'Or winner, played unforgettable matches at the Olympic in the national jersey and remains a symbol of Ukrainian football. Following in his footsteps were stars like Serhiy Rebrov, Oleh Blokhin (the top scorer in the history of the Soviet league), and Andriy Yarmolenko.
Great Moments for the National Team
The Olympic has witnessed pivotal moments in Ukrainian national football—the first steps of the independent national team after 1991, qualifying battles for the World and European Championships, and victories that united the whole country. Before the Russian invasion, home fans regularly welcomed the best international teams here.
International Final Nights
The finals of Euro 2012 and the Champions League 2018 turned the Olympic into a stage for globally watched football dramas. Tens of thousands of international fans traveled to Kyiv to appreciate not only the sports performances but also the hospitality of the city. Both finals took place in a fantastic atmosphere and confirmed that the Olympic can host the biggest football celebrations in the world at the highest level.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
Location and Access
NSC Olympic is located in central Kyiv, approximately 2 kilometers southeast of Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti). The most convenient way to travel is by the Kyiv Metro Line M2 (blue metro, Kurenivsko-Chervonozioryana line) — the exit station is named directly Olimpijska, and it's less than a 5-minute walk from the exit. The metro runs every few minutes from the center, and during matches, reinforced trains are deployed.
Trolleybuses and buses stop very close to the complex. Arriving by car to central Kyiv is possible; however, parking around the venue is very limited during major events—using the metro is significantly more practical.
Surroundings of the Stadium
Several significant landmarks are located near the Olympic. The Pechersk Lavra (UNESCO), one of the most important Orthodox monastery complexes, lies about 15 minutes' walk to the southeast. The central boulevard Khreshchatyk with cafes and restaurants is accessible by metro or within a 20-minute walk.
Current Situation (2022–)
Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, operations at the Olympic have been significantly restricted. International matches have relocated to neutral countries (mainly Poland, Slovakia, Germany), and domestic league football has taken place on a limited basis with strict safety conditions. Any potential visit to the stadium or Kyiv requires monitoring the current security status issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and other authorities. Should the situation improve, the Olympic will be ready to reopen its doors at the highest level.
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