Spodek

Spodek
The Spodek Arena after renovation, 2020
Map
AddressAleja Korfantego 35, 40-005
LocationKatowice, Poland
Coordinates50°15′58″N 19°01′31″E / 50.26611°N 19.02528°E / 50.26611; 19.02528
Public transitTram interchange Katowice Spodek
Tram interchange Katowice Rondo
OwnerCity of Katowice
OperatorPTWP Event Center sp. z o.o.[3]
Capacity11,036
Acreage29 473 m2
SurfaceVersatile
Construction
Broke ground1964
Built1964-1971
Opened9 May 1971
Renovated2011[1]
Expanded2009[2]
Construction cost~800 million
ArchitectMaciej Gintowt & Maciej Krasiński from
Biuro Studiów i Projektów Typowych Budownictwa Przemysłowego (Warsaw)
Structural engineerWacław Zalewski
General contractorAndrzej Żórawski
Website
www.spodekkatowice.pl

Spodek is a multipurpose arena complex in Katowice, Poland, opened on 9 May 1971. Aside from the main dome, the complex includes a gym, an ice rink, a hotel and three large car parks. It was the largest indoor venue of its kind in Poland until it was surpassed by Tauron Arena in 2014.

The Spodek hosts many important cultural and business events. Music concerts are especially common non-sport events. It can hold around 11,500 people, although this number is in practice limited to 10,000 or even 8,000 due to stage set-ups obscuring the view.

Its Polish name refers to a flying saucer since its iconic shape resembles a UFO. Spodek is a major contribution to the cultural significance of Katowice in Poland, especially for the younger generations. It has also been used as an unofficial logo for the city on posters promoting redevelopment in Katowice. Moreover, Spodek is home to ice hockey clubs in the winter months.

  1. ^ Rozpoczął się remont elewacji Spodka katowice.gazeta.pl Gazeta Wyborcza Katowice, 8 March 2011.
  2. ^ https://archive.today/20120720122120/http://sport.onet.pl/koszykowka/reprezentacje/przed-euro-katowicki-spodek-po-modernizacji,3119428,0,fotoreportaz-maly.html sport.onet.pl, Onet.pl, Fotogaleria ze zmodernizowanego wnętrza Spodka
  3. ^ PTWP Event Center, nowy zarządca Spodka i MCK, wybrał firmę do pilnowania i sprzątania obu hal, Nasze Miasto (Katowice), 2016-05-04