Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
The Stadion Miejski or the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland, is home to Polish side Slask Wroclaw. It has a UEFA assigned capacity of 40,000 spectators. The winning architectural concept developed by JSK Architekci is called STADIUM-LANTERN. Its characteristic shape was chosen to have the stadium stand out and at the same time be associated with a "always on the move" Wroclaw city.
The Stadion Miejski or the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland, is home to Polish side Slask Wroclaw. It has a UEFA assigned capacity of 40,000 spectators. The winning architectural concept developed by JSK Architekci is called STADIUM-LANTERN. Its characteristic shape was chosen to have the stadium stand out and at the same time be associated with a "always on the move" Wroclaw city.
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 supported by steel rings placed around the entire external structure 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.
Even Pablo Picasso was impressed by the post-war reconstruction of the city. And the trend continues. The construction of the venue started in April 2009 and completed by September 2011. The opening took place on 10 September, 2011 with a boxing match.
The stadium, located on the western part of the city, will host three matches of Group A. Czech Republic will face Russia, Greece and Poland in three crucial encounters.
Any focus on football in Wroclaw seldom extends beyond WKS Slask Wroclaw. They have managed to hog all the limelight when it comes to football.
Midfielder Leslaw Cmikiewicz and goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski were members of Poland's 1970 dream team, picking up 57 and 63 caps respectively. The Wroclaw-born pair helped the side finish third at the 1974 FIFA World Cup and then earned silver medals at the 1976 Olympics.
Province: Dolny Slask (Lower Silesia)
Population: 633,000
Area: 293km²
Altitude: 120m above sea level
Motto: Wroclaw - the meeting place
UEFA Capacity: 40,000
Tenants: WKS Slask Wroclaw
Opened: September 2011
. The venue was officially opened with a George Michael concert on 17 September, 2011.
. It is constructed next to the Sleza river and a new tram line is the link between the stadium and the city centre.
. The complex, of which the stadium is a part, also boasts of offices, conference halls, a fitness centre, casino and a museum dedicated to local favourites Slask.
. Mario Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini secured a 2-0 victory for Italy in the first international match at the new stadium, on 11 November 2011.