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On Wednesday in Cardiff, it was announced that the 2012 European Championship will be hosted by Poland and Ukraine. In both countries, several stadium renovation and infrastructure improvement projects are set to take place. Here is a brief overview of the stadiums where matches will be held so close to Lithuania.
Poland
Gdansk: "Baltic Arena," planned to be built between 2008-2010. Expected capacity - 44,000.
Poznan: Municipal Stadium, built in the 1980s. Currently home to Poznan's "Lech." This 24,166-seat stadium is currently under reconstruction, and by 2008, after completion of work, the capacity should be 46,500.
Warsaw: National Stadium, to be built between 2007-2009. Planned capacity - 70,000.
Wroclaw: Olympic Stadium, built in 1936. Currently under renovation. With a current capacity of 10,000, the stadium will accommodate 45,000 spectators by 2010.
Chorzow (reserve city): "Slaski" Stadium, built in 1927, currently under renovation. Currently seating 47,202 spectators, after renovation in 2010, it will accommodate 60,000 spectators.
Krakow (reserve city): "Wisla" Stadium, home to Krakow's "Wisla." Built in 1954, the stadium is being renovated and will double its capacity to 33,000 seats by 2010.
Ukraine
Kiev: Olympic Stadium, built in the 1920s but later expanded. Currently seating 84,000. It is proposed that the European Championship final take place in this stadium.
According to renovation plans, the capacity would be reduced to 75,000. However, FIFA and UEFA have expressed displeasure over the giant shopping center being built next to the stadium.
Dnipropetrovsk: A new 35,000-seat stadium should be completed by September of this year.
Donetsk: A new and ultra-modern Donetsk "Shakhtar" stadium, accommodating 50,000 spectators, is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
Lviv: Ukraine Stadium, built in the 1980s and later renovated, currently seating 40,000 spectators. There are plans to build a new stadium or renovate the existing one.
Odesa (reserve city): "Chernomorets" Stadium, built in the 1970s, currently seating 35,000 spectators. Recently, the Lithuania and Ukraine national teams played their qualifying matches for the 2008 European Championship here. There are plans to completely reconstruct this stadium.
Kharkiv (reserve city): "Metalist" Stadium, built in the 1970s, currently seating 30,000 fans. Renovation is planned.
