2 Sep 2009Shakhtar stadium open for business

Football Technology and Stadia

The Ukrainian city of Donetsk is now home to a new 50,000-seat stadium following the opening of FC Shakhtar Donetsk's new ground.

Described by FC Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu as "one of the most beautiful and user-friendly in Europe", the Donbass Arena has taken just over three years to build, reports uefa.com.

He stated that fans, players and coaches "should all be very proud" of the multifunctional facility, which has been designed to dazzle and features two giant screens in the grounds.

According to the club's owner Rinat Akhmetov, the main goal behind the new facility is to "bring pleasure to the people who visit the Donbass Arena".

He went on to promise fans that now the new facility is in place, the club will "work 24 hours a day" to ensure the Champions League trophy is secured by the club.

FC Shakhtar Donetsk won the 2009 UEFA Cup final after defeating German team Werder Bremen.

Written by Mark Thompson

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