Last updated on December 21, 2023.

After my tour of Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex in Kyiv, I noticed Dynamo Kyiv had a game a few days later against Illichivets Mariupol. I bought a ticket to the game and went to the stadium after my Soviet nuclear missile base tour.

 

Arrival

My seat was in the upper section of the stadium and very easy to find. I had a great view of the field and there were very few fans around me. I got a few snacks and settled in for the introductions.

Dynamo Kyiv vs Illichivets Mariupol at Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex in Kyiv, Ukraine
The pregame introductions

 

The Game

While the game was exciting, the atmosphere in the cavernous stadium wasn’t. Having only 17,498 people in a stadium meant to hold 70,000 meant the crowd noise barely echoed up to my seat. I’m sure it would have been a better experience had they been playing a better team, like Shakhtar Donetsk.

Dynamo Kyiv vs Illichivets Mariupol at Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex in Kyiv, Ukraine
A close-up of the action from my seat

The game ended with a 1-0 win for Dynamo Kyiv, with the lone goal scored by Nigerian Lukman Haruna sending the crowd home happy. It was a great experience, even with the lack of fans and atmosphere. I was happy to end my trip to the Ukraine by attending the game.

Dynamo Kyiv vs Illichivets Mariupol at Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex in Kyiv, Ukraine
The stadium has a lot of empty yellow seats

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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