Stadion Slaski

Stadion Slaski, also referred to in English as Silesian Stadium, got built in the 1950s. It was formally inaugurated on 22 July 1956 with a match between the Poland and East Germany national sides (0-0).

Stadion Slaski was a bowl-shaped stadium with a running track that could pack around 90,000 spectators, but at times recorded attendances of over 100,000. During a European match between Gornik and Austria Vienna in 1963, near 120,000 spectators were said to have been in the stands. Other characteristic feature of the ground was the tower in the east stand.

The ground did not have a permanent occupant, but was frequently used by the Poland national side and for a long time considered to be the national stadium. It in addition was the venue for the odd cup final and notable European matches of local teams, in particular Gornik Zabrze, but also Ruch Chorzow, GKS Katowice, and Polonia Bytom.

By the 2000s, the ground had significant aged and plans were made for an extensive refurbishment including the Building work on a roof over the stands. In addition, the western main stand was to be partly rebuild including the addition of VIP facilities.

Construction works started in 2009, but progressed slowly and got further delayed when part of the roof structure collapsed. In the end, it took 8 years to complete the works.

Whereas in the meantime a new national stadium had been built in Warsaw, Stadion Slaski still hosts the occasional match of the national side as well as other sports and music events.

Stadion Slaski is situated in the east of the city of Chorzow bordering the city limits with Katowice. This venue lies about 2 kilometres from downtown Chorzow and about 5 kilometres from downtown Katowice, which is the largest hub in the region.

The walk from downtown Chorzow and Chorzow main railway station takes 20 to 30 minutes, or take tram 6, 11, or 19 from the Rynek market square in the centre. Get off at stop Stadion Slaski. It is a quick journey of only 5 minutes.

These three trams continue to the downtown area of Katowice so if coming from that direction, catch either one of these from Katowice's Rynek market square, which is close to the main railway station. The tram journey takes about 20 minutes. Katowice's railway station has much better train service to other parts of Poland.

Chorzow is part of the Silesian Metropolis, an industrial area comprised of several cities in addition including Katowice, Gliwice, Zabrze, and Bytom.

Neither of these cities is especially attractive, but Katowice is the largest and has most to offer in terms of bars and restaurants so might be the preferred option to base yourself.

Stadion Slaski itself lies in the large and pleasant Slaski Park, which is great for a stroll on a summer's day. There is the odd local restaurant and a shopping centre to pick up some food, but on the whole not much around. Visitors will find more places to dine and drink in either Chorzow or Katowice downtown area.

Several hotels right near Stadion Slaski, including the well-rated Hotel Skaut and Hotel Diament. Use the linked guides To browse hotels near Stadion Slaski. Otherwise, there are plenty more options in central Katowice and some in central Chorzow.