Spodek

Spodek

The Spodek Arena after renovation
Address	Aleja Korfantego 35, 40-005
Location	Katowice, Poland
Coordinates	50°15′58″N 19°01′31″E / 50.26611°N 19.02528°E / 50.26611; 19.02528
Public transit	Katowice Spodek Katowice Rondo
Owner	City of Katowice
Operator	PTWP Event Center sp. z o.o.[3]
Capacity	11,036
Acreage	29 473 m2
Surface	Versatile
Construction
Broke ground	1964
Built	1964-1971
Opened	9 May 1971
Renovated	2011[1]
Expanded	2009[2]
Construction cost	~800 million zł
Architect	Maciej Gintowt & Maciej Krasiński from Biuro Studiów i Projektów Typowych Budownictwa Przemysłowego (Warsaw)
Structural engineer	Wacław Zalewski
General contractor	Andrzej 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.