Arena Lviv ready for Champions League

13-02-15 20:08:17

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The preparation of the Lviv stadium for the match of the Champions League between Shakhtar and Bayern is in full swing. The caretaker CEO of the Donbass Arena Vadym Gunko is in charge of the process. Today, we talked to him.

- Vadym Ivanovych, how would you assess the state of the Arena Lviv pitch, considering the current weather conditions?
- The surface is almost ideal. Players from both teams, as well as spectators, will witness that. During the off-season, there has been done a great job. We took care of the field, using the installation of artificial stimulation of growth and technology for growing pitch in winter conditions. That is, we took a number of agronomic measures thanks to which the pitch is in excellent condition now. In fact, we have grown half a new pitch! It looks very good, and is of very high level in terms of functional characteristics.

- That is, the winter hasn’t become a hindrance, has it?
- It is clear that we must always take into the account the time of year. But for winter, it deserves the highest mark.

- Has Mircea already been interested in the state of the field?
- Not yet, but he will. As always, we look forward to meeting with him! He has always paid special attention to the field; he takes to the pitch on the day before the match, communicates with the chief agronomist. I think this time he will appreciate the high quality.

- Has he voiced any recommendations previously? Or there hasn't been any need for that, given that Donetsk agronomists work at the Arena Lviv?
- We, in general, know his preferences. They, of course, are always taken into account. But in this case Mister’s involvement was absolutely not required, because the pitch is taken care of by the agronomic service of the Donbas Arena, with the exception of three experts of the Arena Lviv. But in general, we are working in accordance with the programme, which is formed by our agronomic service using its expertise, experience and knowledge. I think that the experts of the Arena Lviv will learn and adopt our skills with pleasure. This is mutually beneficial cooperation.

- Has the number of seats before the Shakhtar – Bayern match been increased at the Arena Lviv? Is it you who oversees it?
- Yes, the organisation for the game is carried out exclusively by the club and Donbass Arena management. Lviv is responsible for the operation of some of the technical services. We increased a little the number of seats for spectators after dismantling unused platforms, which were set up for the Euro-2012. Also, we have reduced the media stand through unnecessary tables. Thus, the capacity of the stadium has been increased by a few hundred seats.

- That is, the Arena Lviv is fully ready to host the Champions League, isn’t it?
- First, we work and then evaluate the results. Therefore, we do everything possible to prepare the stadium in the best possible way. Clearly, there are some difficulties, they are always there. The Arena Lviv as an object of sports infrastructure has had ‘a difficult fate’. But I am sure that we will be able to organise a match at a decent level. I would also like to appeal to all fans who are going to watch the match at the stadium: we would like to ask them to come to the Arena Lviv at least two hours earlier! At 19:30 -19:45, or at least at 20:00 - and they will comfortable get into the stands. It is a pity when our some of out fans listen the first chords of the Champions League anthem somewhere in the crazy bustle near the turnstiles, and without enjoying the atmosphere of the game and looking forward to the upcoming action in the bowl. See you at the match!

FC Shakhtar
Press Office