The arena set for the European Championship final next year was finally reopened by Shakira and the president of Ukraine after three years and £503m worth of renovations
The Kiev Olympic Stadium in Ukraine finally re-opened its doors to the public on Saturday, with an explosive show put on in front of a 70,000-strong crowd.The 70,000 all-seater venue was officially presented by Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovich, in a politically-charged unveiling in which he stressed triumph and pride following a dogged preparation for Euro 2012 that has been blighted by allegations of corruption.
"With this stadium, Ukraine will organise a worthy Euro 2012," Yankuovich told an unhappy crowd, who jeered the president.
However, the bad feeling was quickly flushed out of the atmosphere, as pop star Shakira took to the field for a 40-minute set, including a performance of the 2010 World Cup official song, 'Waka Waka', along with a display of fireworks, art and a speech from Ukraine Football Federation president Hryhoriy Surkis.
"The stadium is a birthday present for the place which gave the world [coach Valeriy] Lobanovskiy and Dinamo Kiev," said Surkis.
"The stadium has been renovated to the highest standards. It will become one of the 10 best stadiums in Europe, in reality a new arena with all the latest technology, which can host not only football but athletics."
The stadium, which has cost an estimated €585 million (£503m) and has been in the works since December 2008, will stage five matches during the championships, including the final on July 1, as Ukraine prepare to co-host next year's European Championships with Poland.
The Olympic Stadium will play host to its first match on November 11, when Ukraine will face Germany in an international friendly.
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