Wrocław Olympic Stadium

Wrocław Olympic Stadium is a historic, multi-purpose stadium in the Zacisze-Zalesie-Szczytniki neighbourhood, entered into the heritage register of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.

History

The stadium was designed in 1924-1925, and construction ran from 1926 to 1928, to a design by the German architect Richard Konwiarz. In the second half of the 1930s the building was extended, and after the destruction of the Second World War it was rebuilt and extended again. In 1948 it was given the name Olympic Stadium named after General Karol Świerczewski.

Architecture

The stadium was designed in the spirit of classical modernism. For this design, Richard Konwiarz received a bronze Olympic medal in the art and sport architecture competition at the Los Angeles Games. The stands originally held about seventy thousand spectators, and the speedway track was surfaced with granite. After modernisation, the stadium has 13,675 seats, and the speedway track is surfaced with syenite. The building is the central element of the sports complex in the Zalesie neighbourhood, which also includes pitches, tennis courts, a shooting range, an indoor swimming pool and a sports hall.

Use today

The main user of the stadium is the speedway club Sparta Wrocław, and the building is also used by the American football team Panthers Wrocław. On the speedway track and the adjoining sports facilities, these clubs hold their competitions and organise sporting events.

Heritage protection

In June 1991 the stadium was entered into the heritage register of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.

Practical information

• Address: ulica Adama Mickiewicza 58, Wrocław, Zacisze-Zalesie-Szczytniki neighbourhood.
• Access: the stadium lies in the sports complex in Zalesie, near Szczytnicki Park and the Centennial Hall.
• What to expect: an active sports venue with a historic stand and speedway track, used day-to-day by local clubs; it is worth checking the dates of competitions and events before your visit.