Spodek (meaning "saucer" in Polish) 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.
Spodek is a multipurpose arena complex, which translated from Polish literally means Saucer, and it is located in the southwestern city of Katowice, in the Republic of Poland. As Katowice is the capital city of the Polish region Upper Silesia, it was required for an arena to be built in the city.
Sport at Spodek
Spodek is also connected with healthy lifestyle and sport promotion. Sport fans from all over the world eagerly participate here in great events of the World Championships in weight-lifting, bodybuilding, acrobatic gymnastics, European Championships in wrestling, athletics, men’s handball and women’s basketball. Katowice’s “Spaceship” hosted the best sport teams of hockey, volleyball and handball. The most fantastic and memorable sports events took place within its walls. Spodek is open to active life lovers throughout the year, tempting everybody aged 1+ with: 토토
ice rink,
gym,
fitness gym,
hotel,
restaurant,
indoor swimming pool with two saunas and different water attractions.
Alongside music and sports events, it also organizes ice shows for children, circus performances with acrobats, exhibitions and trade fairs.
You can also register for a guided tour of Spodek full of interesting facts and historical anecdotes. You will see main hall, sliding sectors and VIP rooms. For all, it can be a really memorable experience.
History
The idea of building a large venue originated in 1955, while Katowice was temporarily renamed Stalinogród. A contest was held to select the best design. Initially, it was to be constructed on the outskirts of town, but the Voivodeship National Council decided it should be built near the city center. A mining waste dump site classified "2A" was chosen for construction.
The classification "2A" indicated medium mining damage with a possibility of local cave-ins. While excavating the foundations, the workers dug through coal instead of soil. Soon after construction began, rumors of design flaws in the new building spread, including the rumour that the dome would collapse when the scaffolding was removed. Because of this, in 1964, construction was halted for 18 months. Spodek's architects and chief engineers were present in the dome when the supports were dismantled as a statement against those rumors. Before opening the building to the public, as an endurance test, 3,500 soldiers marched throughout the hall; the vibration measurement was positive.
