Stadium construction began in April 2009 and was completed in September 2011.[7]
Stadium opening took place at 10 September 2011 with the first sporting event being a boxing fight, between Tomasz Adamek and Vitali Klitschko for the WBC heavyweight title, which is also considered as the first Heavyweight title fight held in Poland.[8] The first football match, between Śląsk Wrocław and Lechia Gdańsk, was played on 28 October 2011. Śląsk won the match 1–0 and Johan Voskamp was the first goalscorer at the new stadium.[9]
Stadium Concept
Overall, esplanade & roof
The winning architectural concept developed by JSK Architekci is called STADIUM-LANTERN. The distinctive shape was chosen to be easily recognizable and associated with a dynamic city.[10]
The shape of the stadium is highlighted by the innovative design of its external walls. The building is covered by glass fibre mesh coated with teflon. The mesh is anchored by steel rings placed around the entire body of the stadium. The covering lends lightness and transparency to the massive structure. The colors of the external walls of the stadium can be changed using a sophisticated lighting system.[11]
Stadium during lighting system testing
The architectural concept also includes an outdoor promenade around the stadium, called the esplanade with a total area of 52 753 m2. The esplanade grants access to the inside of the stadium from two directions. From the south, it leads under Lotnicza Street where an integrated Park & Ride plaza is being built with a tram stop, a train station, and an outdoor parking lot. From the north, the esplanade leads from the northern public transport interchange with tram and bus stops and a parking lot for buses.[12]
The area surrounding the stadium and esplanade is landscaped and provided with benches to create a park-like space where people can relax or meet. The platform rises from the ground level at the first level of the stadium promenade, which is located at 5.44 m. Entrance to all stadium's sections are located exactly on this level. The height of the stadium is 39.33 meters measured from ground level to the upper edge of the roof structure. Construction of the stadium consists of four buildings that are connected by two promenades (at the first and fourth level). All stands on the stadium are one-level with 56 rows. Four-level parking area for cars is located near the stadium.[12]
Stadium exterior during UEFA Euro 2012
Functions and characteristics
The stadium is divided into a number of dedicated zones necessary for the proper functioning of a sport arena. VIP guests is allowed to under the rim of the stadium so that they can quickly reach the spacious VIP zone entry hall on Level 0 in the western section of the stadium. VIP fans is seated in close proximity to the playing field, and is separated from the teams' zone only by a glass wall.[13]
On Level 3, there are twenty multifunction and glassed VIP boxes with a clear view of the pitch. Ten VIP boxes in the eastern stand is available for rental under the name "Incentive Boxes".[14] Each of them has its own access to a terrace platform with a width of about 2.5 m. Depending on the type of boxes, their capacity varies form 13 to 26 people, also they can be combined. Both standard VIP boxes and Incentive boxes have its own dedicated VIP seats located, in the immediate vicinity of the terraces.
Single-level stands
VIP seats is broken down into three sectors: gold, silver, and bronze, depending on their location and the view they offer.[15]
The esplanade surrounding the entire stadium leads from the ground level to Level 1. Concession stands, first aid stations, police offices and rest rooms are located on the promenade. Seats for fans with disabilities are located in stands equipped with wheelchair ramps, and disabled fans are able to sit next to their caretakers. There are 102 such seats on the stadium plus another 102 seats for caretakers. The stadium bars and restaurants are equipped with special-designated, lower countertops, make it easier for disabled people in wheelchairs to eating a meal. There are also 50 places for people who have vision problems. For the hearing impaired people a professional collector headphones to listening a match commentary are prepared. The new stadium is an arena without barriers.[16]
The teams' zone is located on Level 0 in the western part of the stadium. Identical facilities for both teams are equipped with locker rooms, massage rooms, showers, toilets, coach rooms and warm-up areas. The media zone is located in the upper section of the western stand. Each seat meets FIFA/UEFA requirements and is equipped with power, telephone, internet and TV connections. Some seats have a foldable desktop. Seats for commentators have revolving chairs. Section for visitor supporters is located in the south east stadium corner, marked as “Sektor X” and has a capacity of 3439 seats.[17]
The roof of the stadium is partially glassed for provide increased natural lighting on the pitch. South side of the roof has a more glassed area than the north one. Under the roof there are two LED display screens. Each has dimension of 12,8 x 7,68 m. They were made by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.[18]
All types of seats installed on the stadium are produced and provided by Polish brand Forum Seating owned by Nowy Styl Group located in Krosno.[19]
Naming rights
In official documents, the stadium is known as Municipal Stadium (Polish: Stadion Miejski). From 25 November 2021, the stadium is called Tarczyński Arena Wrocław. The city's contract with the Tarczyński Group was concluded for six years.[1]
Panorama view of the Stadion Wrocław during the UEFA Euro 2012
Transport
National road 94 runs just south of the stadium. A new motorway bypass A8 was built as part of the infrastructure for the stadium.[21]
Currently, the stadium can be reached by different kinds of public transport. By buses: 103, 403, 435 and tram 18, 21 from the north side, and by the trams 3, 10, 20, 22, and bus 128 from the south side.[22]
On the south side of the stadium, a transport interchange is situated, including a new train station called Wroclaw Stadion. A two-way railway line run at the zero level, while at the first level a tram line is prepared to connect the city center with Leśnica. The transport interchange is also available for vehicular traffic. A car park, city bus stop, bicycle paths and parking for cyclists are located there. A heliport is located on the eastern side of the stadium.[23]
Poland national football team matches
The Poland national football team plays often in this stadium. The inauguration match was played against Italy on 11 November 2011. The most recent match was played against Wales on 1 June 2022.
The stadium was used as one of the venues for the UEFA Euro 2012. The three group A matches involving Czech Republic were played there (with the other matches in that group played at National Stadium, Warsaw).
The following matches were played there during the tournament:
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