Spodek (translates to "saucer" in English)

Spodek is an iconic sports and entertainment arena located in Katowice, renowned worldwide for its unique architectural design and the diverse range of events it hosts. Built according to the tensegrity concept, its steel dome weighs 300 tons and is supported by 120 cables, giving it a distinctive, futuristic appearance reminiscent of a flying saucer. The arena is designed to accommodate a variety of events, including concerts, sports matches, and exhibitions. In total, it can hold up to 11,036 spectators, with a usable area of 29,473 m². The history of Spodek dates back to the 1950s, when the idea of building a multipurpose arena in Katowice first emerged. After numerous design challenges, construction began in 1964 but was temporarily halted due to concerns about structural flaws. Spodek was eventually completed in 1971 at a cost of approximately 800 million złoty. Over the years, Spodek has hosted many renowned artists, including Metallica, Deep Purple, and Rammstein. It has also been the venue for numerous international sporting events, such as the Ice Hockey World Championships and the European Basketball Championships. An interesting fact: in 2008, an air conditioning system was installed, and a year later, the seating capacity was expanded with retractable seats. Managed by PTWP Event Center sp. z o.o., Spodek has become not only a symbol of Katowice but also of the entire region, attracting tourists and culture enthusiasts from across Poland and beyond.