NSC Olympic Stadium

History

NSC Olympic Stadium in Kyiv originally opened on September 12, 1923, as the Red Stadium. It underwent major expansions in 1966–68 and 1978, then renovations in 1967, 1999, and most recently from 2008–2011 for UEFA Euro 2012. It hosted football matches during the 1980 Summer Olympics and the UEFA Euro 2012 final. Major modernisation included a full roof, new stands, and the Sheraton hotel/press tower.

Description

The stadium seats approximately 70,050 spectators following the 2011 renovation. It features a natural grass pitch (105 × 68 m) with an athletics track and modern roof canopy. The bowl is colour-coded into four sectors (A/B/C/D), with VIP business seats in the main west stand.

Architectural Features

The 2011 rebuild introduced a sweeping glass roof, full bowl coverage, a multi-level west stand with suites, and a 13-storey media and hotel tower. Terracing is divided into colour-coded seating sectors. The complex also includes sports bars, restaurants, a museum, and a metro-connected entrance plaza.

What is NSC?

NSC stands for National Sports Complex, indicating its role as Ukraine’s primary multi-sport venue, managed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It remains the foremost national stadium for major international football and athletics events.

Records

The largest recorded attendance was over 100,000 in the late 1960s. Today’s capacity of 70,050 reflects modern safety standards. It hosted the Euro 2012 final (63,170 attendees) and the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final. It regularly serves the Ukraine national team and Dynamo Kyiv for major events.