Spodek (saucer in Polish) is a multipurpose arena complex in Katowice, Poland, opened in 1971 at 35 Korfanty Street under the name Wojewódzka Hala Widowiskowo-Sportowa w Katowicach (Voivodeship Sport and Show Arena in Katowice), under which it is known in the Polish technical/architectural literature, and under which it formally functioned until 1997.
Aside from the main dome, the complex includes a gym, an ice rink, a hotel and three large car parks. It is the largest indoor venue of its kind in Poland. It hosts many important cultural and business events. Music concerts are especially common non-sport events. Spodek can hold 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 name is “saucer” in Polish as it resembles a tilted flying saucer. Spodek is a major contribution to the cultural significance of Katowice in Poland, especially for the younger generations.
It has played host to many up-and-coming bands, such as Chumbawumba in 1997, as well as dozens of world-famous bands including Boney M., The Cure, Delirious?, Deep Purple, Depeche Mode, Dream Theater, Elton John, Genesis, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, Green Day, Iron Maiden, Jean-Michel Jarre, Mike Oldfield, Megadeth, Napalm Death, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Rammstein, Robbie Williams, Slipknot, Sting, The Prodigy, Overkill, Tina Turner, Avril Lavigne.
The idea of building a large venue originated in 1955, while Katowice was temporarily renamed Stalinogród. A contest was held to select the best design. Initially, it was to be constructed on the outskirts of town, but the Voivodeship National Council decided it should be built near the city center. A mining waste dump site classified “2A” was chosen for construction.
The classification “2A” indicated medium mining damage with a possibility of local cave-ins. While excavating the foundations, the workers dug through coal instead of soil. Soon after construction began, rumors of design flaws in the new building spread, including the rumour that the dome would collapse when the scaffolding was removed. Because of this, in 1964, construction was halted for 18 months. Spodek’s architects and chief engineers entered the dome when the supports were dismantled as a response to those rumors; clearly they survived. Before opening the building to the public, endurance tests were conducted - 3,500 soldiers marched into the hall and vibration of the building was measured. The outcome was positive.
Throughout Spodek’s history, rumors have circulated concerning the extent of disrepair at the structure, concealed cracks or even its “falling apart”. However, these rumours are unsupported by any evidence.