The giant Euro 2012 countdown clock on Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv neared its conclusion on the afternoon of June 8, ahead of the 7 p.m. (Kyiv time) kickoff for the opening match in Warsaw.
And the party is well under way in the fan zone on Kyiv’s main street.
Inspirational songs blare from massive speakers in the downtown square. Businessmen in suits brush shoulders with fans in jerseys as everyone wishes to soak in the atmosphere of a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Ukraine doesn’t kick off their tournament campaign until June 11, when they face Sweden in Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium, and there is a lack of foreign fans in the square. The party is bound to spark some more as Poland and Greece prepare to open the group stages with an opening match tonight at 7 Kyiv time in Warsaw.
The purple-fenced fan zone is filled with the standard Coca-Cola and Carlsberg tents expected at a major tournament, and a series of stories-tall screens ensure that fans catch every second of action. The area is provided a distinctly Ukrainian feel by an array of street performers, local music and imposing historic architecture that flanks the revelers.
Sweden plays all three of its group stage games in the city and a special “Swedish Corner” has been erected in the fan zone to make the visitors feel welcome. There have been some well-documented problems in creating the Trukhaniv Island campground to house fans of the Blue-Yellow, with much of the area still uninhabitable.
“We went out there yesterday and it was not finished, but we put up our tent and are trying to make the best of the situation,” Swedish fan Oskar Johansson said.
Even with the setback, most Swedes remain positive about the city and the tournament.
“The citizens of Kyiv are so nice and have been trying to help us,” Marcus Andersson said. “We had our problems yesterday with our living (arrangements), but they really tried to help us.”
With most opening weekend action happening elsewhere, the fan zone had a distinct local feel. Despite the fact that fans can buy Hr 15 beers and Hr 300 jerseys in pounds, euros and dollars, there seemed to be very few foreigners. Besides the pocket of Swedish fans filling their corner, nearly every other visitor was Ukrainian. A trio of England fans were surprised with the lack of diversity as kickoff fast approaches.
“It’s not as busy as we thought it would be,” James Dillon said. “We thought it would be heaving. It’s like it’s not even happening. I like we’re in a different country, not the host one.”
While more foreigners could come, accusations of fan violence and racism are undoubtedly driving down some of the numbers.
But those who stayed away because of press reports may miss out – the initial first impressions from visitors have been positive.
“We’ve not been here a long time, but so far we’ve not experienced anything negative like it is being portrayed in the press,” English fan Jack Burton said.
For ordinary Ukrainians, it was a day to forget the controversy overshadowing preparations and enjoy a rare moment in the limelight.
Kyiv native Dmytry Sorokin summed up the mixed feelings of the locals. “I’m excited for the tournament, but wasn’t about the preparation for the tournament,” he said.
Though the numbers were underwhelming, there was an unmistakable buzz in the air on a day that has been five years in the making. Fans shared predictions – Swedish and English fans shared a guarded optimism as they approach Group D play, though Burton expects a Three Lions semi-final run – enjoyed a rare afternoon beer and readied for kickoff.
“It gets really exciting with all of the people and all of the tourists,” Johan Hotling of Sweden said. “It’s special. I don’t think that the feeling is like this in Ukraine on many other days.”
Kyiv Post staff writer Matt Pentz can be reached at [email protected]
