Lviv Euro 2012 stadium opens to fanfare

Platinum-selling U.S. songstress Anastacia topped the bill at the grand opening of Lviv's new soccer stadium on Saturday 29 October.

The American singer was joined by Ukrainian favourite Ruslana (a former winner of the Eurovision Song Contest), as well as an impressive cast of actors, acrobats and dancers, the latter performers taking part in a lavish spectacle dedicated to the history of the city.

The previous day, President Viktor Yanukovych visited the site and expressed his optimism about the stadium.

"I have no doubt that the opening of this stadium will stay in the memory of the citizens of Lviv forever," he said.

"This is a stadium for young football fans who will bring their children and grandchildren here in years to come."

Work on the stadium began in November 2008, and it looks set to become the home of local side Karpaty Lviv.

Next summer, with Ukraine and Poland co-hosting the Euro 2012 Championships, Lviv's stadium will stage a trio of Group B matches.

Source: UEFA