A vintage 1980 collectible postcard capturing a mass sports and artistic performance on the field and stands of the Central Stadium in Kyiv.
What is shown on the postcard
The image shows a panoramic view of the Central Stadium’s bowl, fully packed with spectators. On the football pitch and running tracks, groups of participants in blue and red athletic uniforms are aligned in geometric formations. The background features floodlight towers, a scoreboard, and Kyiv’s urban landscape, including the high-rise Hotel Rus on Cherepanova Hill.
Historical note
By 1980, the Central Stadium in Kyiv (now the National Sports Complex “Olimpiyskiy”) had undergone a major reconstruction in preparation for the football tournament of the XXII Summer Olympic Games. The arena’s capacity was expanded to 100,000 spectators, new floodlight masts were installed, and the scoreboard was upgraded. The venue regularly hosted football matches as well as large-scale sports and gymnastics festivals.
Present day
Today, the stadium is known as the NSC “Olimpiyskiy”. In 2011, the arena was completely reconstructed for the UEFA Euro 2012 football championship, which included the installation of a membrane roof and new all-seater arrangements, adjusting the capacity to 70,050. It serves as Ukraine’s premier elite-class sports venue.
Location (map)
Address: 55 Velyka Vasylkivska St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.433433, 30.521873
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the central pitch of the NSC Olimpiyskiy (former Central Stadium) in Kyiv.
Questions and answers
- What event is depicted on the postcard? The postcard depicts a mass sports and artistic festival on the pitch of the Central Stadium in Kyiv in 1980.
- What is the current name of this stadium? Today, the former Central Stadium is named the National Sports Complex ‘Olimpiyskiy’ (NSC Olimpiyskiy).
- Which building is visible in the background behind the stadium? In the background on Cherepanova Hill, the high-rise building of the Hotel Rus, built for the 1980 Olympics, is visible.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1980.
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