Stunning fireworks and festival as Man City open HBZ Stadium
What’s On has video of the official opening for Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium featuring Manchester City in Abu Dhabi, a firework display and match highlights.
The Hazza Bin Zayed Stadiun official opening ceremony took place on Thursday May 15, with Premier League champions Manchester City the guests of honour for a friendly against Al Ain.
The match itself was little more then a glorified training exercise, featuring over 30 players from the hosts, but none of the visitors’ World Cup players. However, the likes of Samir Nasri, Stevan Jovetic and Aleksander Kolarov sprinkled a bit of star dust on proceedings as the men in blue ran out 3-0 winners. Frenchman Nasri, who was controversially left out of Les Bleus World Cup squad created the first two for youngster Marcos Lopes and then Montenegrin striker Jovetic, before another young buck, Jordi Hiwula slotted home a very late penalty.
Before the game, the stadium, a 25,000 capacity marvel that looks a lot like the home of the 2013 Champions League winners Bayern Munich, was treated to choreographed performance of the UAE National Anthem.
Then, after the game, everyone involved got a medal with City also parading their Premier League and League Cup trophies on a specially erected stage. And as the confetti cannons blasted away behind the players, a spectacular firework display illuminated the sky above the stadium.
Speaking during the trip, Chilean boss Pellegrini said: “During this week we are celebrating in Abu Dhabi what we did last season. It was very important to win the title, but next week we start working in what ways we can improve. That is very important for this team, to try and improve every year. We will see what is the best way to try and continue winning the Premier League and cups in England, and also we will try to have better performances in Europe.”
OPENING CEREMONY
FIREWORK DISPLAY AND TROPHY PRESENTATION
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
