Donbass arena was included in the official bidding project submitted by Poland and Ukraine for hosting UEFA Euro 2012. The stadium will host group stage games and one quarter-final and one semi-final game. Unlike most new stadiums being built in Poland and Ukraine, Donbass arena was not initially intended for that venue.

Donbass Arena is a stadium with a natural grass pitch in Donetsk, Ukraine that opened on 29 August, 2009. The facility is located in the center of the city, in the Lenin Comsomol park. With a capacity of 50,000 spectators, the Stadium hosts FC Shakhtar Donetsk matches and will host some matches in Euro 2012. It meets the requirements for a UEFA Elite 5-star Stadium rating.

The construction of Donbass Arena was launched in 2006. The general contractor is a Turkish company ENKA. The Stadium was completed and opened in 2009.

Donbass Arena was designed by ArupSport, who have also designed the City of Manchester Stadium (Manchester, England); Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany); and the Beijing National Stadium (Beijing, China). An exceptional engineering solution – the soaring roof effect – will make the Stadium resemble a flying saucer. The oval shape and the glazed façade ensure a memorable outlook. The Stadium is located near Regional Sport Complex Olimpiyskiy creating an elegant architectural ensemble. The roof of the Stadium slopes from north to south matching the landscape and contributing to the natural lighting and airing of the pitch. The external lighting makes the Stadium shine at night.

The Donbass arena was completed ahead of schedule, but the grand opening was delayed until 29 August 2009 to coincide with the Ukrainian holiday of Miners Day, as well as Donetsk City day. Donetsk is in the Donbass region, a mining region, and the date was chosen for its symbolism. The prime tenants of the facility are named Shakhtar Donetsk ("Donetsk Coal Miners").