Although the UEFA Champions League Final will kick off at 9:45 p. m. on May 26 and will last several hours, Kyiv will be filled with football-themed entertainment, shows, and competitions during the entire weekend.
Don’t miss all the fun, and enjoy the sports days in the city.
UEFA Champions Festival
Where: Khreshchatyk Street, between Central Post Office and TSUM Kyiv Department Store
When: May 25, 10 a. m. — 11 p. m., May 26, 10 a. m. — 6 p. m.
Entrance free
Champions Festival is the main official venue in the city besides the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex itself. It can’t be called a fan zone though — there won’t be a public broadcast of the Champions League Final match since it’s not recommended by Union of European Football Association rules. Instead, different entertainment and shows will take place there. Sponsors promise to give presents, including a chance to win a ticket to the final match.
There will be a stage where Ukrainian artists will perform, and a football field, where on May 25 at 11 a. m. young football players 13–15 years old will compete in the Adidas Young Champions Tournament.
Also, on May 25 at 4 p. m. the Ultimate Champions League Tournament will begin, with four teams competing against each other. Organizers promise the world-class football players to join every team, including Ukrainian boxers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko.
The festival location will be still open on May 27, however, on this day the main events there will be dedicated to the Kyiv Day.
Meeting with Liverpool FC supporters
Where: Taras Shevchenko Park, near Lva Tolstoho and Ukraine Palace metro stations — a 15-minute walk from the Champions Festival on Khreshchatyk street.
When: May 26–27
The urban park near the red building of Kyiv’s Taras Shevchenko National University is where the Liverpool fans will gather both before going to the stadium and after the game. Liverpool fans, landing at Boryspil International Airport, can take free shuttles to the park.
The Shevchenko Park meeting point will provide food and beverage facilities, flight information and toilets.
Real Madrid supporters
Where: near Ukraine Palace metro station, a 5-minute walk from Lva Tolstoho metro station.
When: May 26–27
Real Madrid club is planning a set of entertainments for its supporters. There will be a stage at the meeting point where music shows will take place. Food, beverages, flight information and toilets will also be provided. Free shuttles from Boryspil International Airport and from the stadium will be provided as well.
Sofiyska Square and 20-meter high trophy
Where: Sofiyska Square, a 10-minute walk from Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station
When: May 23–27
Entrance free
Thanks to a 20-meter high Champions League Trophy right in the center of the square, Sofiyska Square is the best place to fully embrace the atmosphere of the football championship. Here, tourists can take photos of the trophy, eat at food courts and enjoy their time in a picturesque place near Saint Sophia Cathedral, built in the 11th century and inscribed in the World Heritage List.
Live screening
Where: Kontraktova Square, near Kontraktova metro station
When: May 26–27
Entrance free
Those who can’t go to the Champions League Final at the Olimpiyskiy stadium can watch the game live on a big screen at the non-official fan zone on Kontraktova Square. Also, Kontraktova Square will host food courts, souvenir shops, and street performances.
Big Family Fest and football screening
When: May 26. Start at 10 a. m.
Where: Spivoche Pole, 33 Lavrska St.
Entrance: Hr 299 ($11)
Another option where to watch the championship is Big Family Fest on Spivoche Pole (Singing Field). The tournament will be broadcast there live on a big screen. Also, Arsenal Ukrainian football club players will give lessons to children of 8–12 years on how to play football. Aside from that, guests will get a chance to visit master-classes and a music show.
Men look at the pictures of the world-famous football players at the Champions Festival on Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv on May 24. (Oleg Petrasiuk)
Eight stars
If one takes a long walk around Kyiv, they may notice a couple of 2-meter high statues in the shape of stars with the European Cup logos on it. There are eight of such stars in different areas of Kyiv, mainly in the center, for example on Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square and near the Golden Gates. Organizers promise to give presents to those who will take photos with all eight stars and post it on Instagram or Facebook.
Champions League Final, Dua Lipa performance
Where: Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex
When: 9:45 p. m.
The Champions League Final will kick off at 9:45 p. m. on May 26 at Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex with a total capacity of 70,050 people. The game will be broadcast in over 220 countries around the world.
The 22-year-old British singer Dua Lipa will perform at 2018 UEFA Champions League opening ceremony.
«It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she says. “I can’t wait to get in front of the fans and be part of such an exciting event — I’m planning to put on an unforgettable show!”
This is not the full list of sports events and fan zones in Kyiv. Many football fans prefer to have their own small unofficial meetings in pubs or parks. To follow the updates, check here.
Top: Football fans gather at the Champions Festival on Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv on May 24 to get in the mood for the UEFA Champions League Final match on May 26. (Oleg Petrasiuk)
