The north, east and west stands of the "Philip II of Macedon" Arena, which have been entirely reconstructed, were officially opened late Sunday.
In addition to building new stands, seats and video walls have been installed. Moreover, the south stand has been also overhauled.
The next stage envisages a reconstruction of the football field and the running track.
To build something grandiose as a sports arena demonstrates an aspiration for perfection and a victory of the spirit, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said at the ceremony. Sport activities have always stimulated the best characteristics of humanity -- the will, persistence, talent, solidarity, ambition...
"This structure was commenced in 1978 with only one real stand. It has been like that for 33 years, and now you see its splendor after a three-year effort only. Isn't it a triumph of the will, persistence, hard work? Isn't it a defeat for all sceptics, a message to a;; all of those who have failed to believe in us and themselves. Macedonia is capable to score a victory, to build and live behind deeds we, future generations will be proud of," Gruevski said.
The reconstructed "Philip II of Macedon" Arena have a capacity for 32.580 spectators. The first match to be played in the overhauled stadium is going to be the one between the football teams of Macedonia and Ireland on June 4.
