"Over a 100 000 visitors" at National Arena

The mayor of Bucharest, Sorin Oprescu, thanked the people for visiting the National Arena in such a large number.

A press release issued by the Bucharest City Hall shows that, according to the official statements of the Gendarmerie, over 100 000 people visited the new stadium.

"Romanians have proved once again that they know how to enjoy themselves and to appreciate a project that has been carried out with their money. So, we still have it in us!

We appreciate your patience and understanding and the fact that today we have showed that we too can be civilised and be happy for having such a stadium. I once again wish Romanians to use it happily", the mayor said.

"The City Hall thanks all partners who have been involved in organising this event unique in the past 20 years. We wish to underline that this event has not been organized with money from the local budget of the City Hall", the release also showed.

The official opening of the National Arena stadium will take place on 6 September during Romania's match with France’s team for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifications.

The National Arena has 55 000 seats for spectators. 270 seats are for people with disabilities and their carers, who will benefit from lifts, ramps and special toilets.
The stadium meets the UEFA standards, of 105 meters long and 68 meters wide.

The retractable roof makes the stadium available for 365 days a year.

It has four giant 30 square meter screens. Both the technical benches and the football field are heated.

The multi-storey car park will have 1 200 seats and the underground car park 19. The special features include seven first aid points, a firemen point, seven police points and an anti-drug office.

The press will have 19 seats for television cameras and 364 seats for journalists.

Translated by: Iulia Florescu
MA student, MTTLC, Bucharest University