15 years ago, the Donbass Arena opened as the first UEFA elite stadium in Eastern Europe, a symbol of Donetsk. It hosted global superstars and European football teams. Today, the stadium stands empty and abandoned. It now symbolizes not only athletic achievement, but also the deep losses caused by the conflict. | United24 Media

In 2009, the opening ceremony of Donbass Arena in Donetsk left football fans stunned. Thousands of performers moved in flawless sync, turning the pitch into massive living images that shifted in real time. The show peaked with a giant human-formed footballer in Shakhtar Donetsk’s signature orange and black, visible from every corner of the stadium ⚽🎭 Designed to showcase the club’s identity and Ukraine’s ability to host world-class events, the ceremony blended choreography, music, and precision