A symbol of the city – Dynamo Kiev

One of the best reasons to visit Eastern Europe for the weekend is football event. Like everywhere else they have their own unique spirit and style.

And it’s hard to find a city with richer football history than Kiev in in this part of the world. One of the symbols of the Ukrainian capital is a football club Dynamo Kiev.

Like in the most parts of Europe, roots of local professional football stretch from the beginning of the last century. Dynamo used to be one of the leaders of the former Soviet Union football and has more titles than any other ex-Soviet team including representatives from Moscow. During Soviet era Dynamo was a base for USSR national football team. All the best local talents were taken there as per Communist party order and it allows this team to build their great history through the decades. This situation is also a reason why such a big city like Kiev doesn’t have another big team like most of the megapolises.

After the USSR collapsed Dynamo took the lead in the championship of the independent Ukraine. For almost 10 years they didn’t have a decent competitor until Shakhtar Donetsk upraised on their level. Since approximately beginning of 2000’s these two teams replace each other on the champion’s throne. Games between these two opponents are called Ukrainian derby and is always held in a very tense atmosphere. It’s definitely the best occasion to feel the flavour of Ukrainian football!

Nowadays Dynamo Kiev is a modern European club with all necessary attributes: stadium, club shop, one of the biggest fan movements, museum, training base, football school for children and youth, etc.

Home stadium of Dynamo Kiev is Olimpiyskiy with full capacity of 70 050 seats. It hosted the Euro-2012 final and rated as a UEFA Elite rated stadium. Last season during the Europa League game against Everton stadium was visited by 67 553 fans – it’s a new attendance record of this European competition. This arena hosts all international games and most important domestic matches.

Another home ground is little and comfortable “Valeriy Lobanovskiy Dynamo Stadium” with a capacity of 16 873 supporters. It’s located in a picturesque park situated in the centre of the city, close to the Dnipro River bank.

One of the best moments of visiting Dynamo Kiev games is their opponent’s consistent desire to show their maximum against the favourites. It’s always an opportunity to see a performance of representatives of numerous national teams.

Dynamo Kiev supporters deeply committed to the team in good and bad times. At the moment they declared truce with all their opponents due to the war against the Russian Federation. Most of them are friendly and adequate people unless provoked with Russian symbols.

During Euro-2012 in Poland and Ukraine most European visitors were surprised with the quality and prices of local food and beer. They still remain on the same level. Another attractive side of football events in Kiev is beautiful Ukrainian girls who also support Dynamo. But the best and unforgettable moment is atmosphere before and after a big game, when whole city, like giant anthill, is gathering in the huge and beautiful stadium and then leaving it with joy or in despair!