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Oh my god, we’re in Eastern Europe! If you didn’t watch Eurotrip, just go ahead and do it. It’s rather easy these days you know. After a packed week of internationals and one more week left in the qualifying tournament, we now have six nations to secure their spot at the 2012 Euro – Hosts Poland & Ukraine, Germany, Spain, Italy and The Netherlands. While waiting for the other 10, it’s a good chance to check out the venues the teams and fans will visit next summer in eight different cities.
Stadion Narodowy or The National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland
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With a planned capacity of 58,145, the new National Stadium in the Polish Capital is set to be ready in November 2011. The construction of the stadium has been marred by three deaths and numerous delays. The biggest of the Polish venues for the tournament, it will matches in Group A, quarterfinal and Semi Final.
Stadion Miejski or The City Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland
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With a capacity of 42,771, Stadion Kiejski in Wroclaw will host three Group A matches this summer. It will also become the stadium for Ekstraklasa runners up last season, Slask Wroclaw. It will also host the Klitschko Adamek fight this weekend, for a heavyweight title belt.
PGE Arena Gdansk, Poland
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Already completed and opened very recently, the home of Lechia Gdansk can seat 44,000 fans and will host three group matches and a quarter final game in the up and coming Euro tournament.
Stadion Miejski or the Municipal Stadium in Poznan, Poland
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Unlike most on this list, the Municipal stadium inĀ PoznanĀ was reconstructed rather than being brand new. Home of both Poznan clubs (Lech and Warta), the stadium can seat 43,000 fans and will host group matches in the Euro.
Olimpiysky National Sports Complex, Kiev, Ukraine
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Built in 1923, this stadium has gone multiple renovations, non as big and major like this one, which began in 2008 and should be done sometime by the end of the year, hopefully. The Multi-Sport Olympic Complex will be able to seat 68,055 fans and will host the Final of the 2012 Euro.
Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv, Ukraine
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Another renovated stadium, Metalist Kharkiv’s stadium was originally opened in 1926 but went through serious renovations to make it decent for the Euro. It will host group matches only.
Donbass Arena, Donetsk, Ukraine
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The only stadium on this list not initially intended for the Euro – Donbass Arena, home ofĀ UkrainianĀ champions Shakhtar Donetsk who also own the arena, was opened in August 2009, completed in three years. It seats 51,504 and will host matches in the group stage, quarterfinals and the semi final.
The New Stadium in Lviv, Ukraine
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The New stadium in Lviv only has a working title, like some secret pre production Hollywood movie, codenameĀ Lemberg. Still far from completed, it will eventually (and hopefully) seat just under 35,000 fans and will host three group matches.