Stadion Opolski – construction description

How did the construction of the new stadium in Opole come about?

Plans for the construction of a modern football stadium in Opole appeared even before EURO 2012 (at that time the modernization of the stadium on Oleska Street was also at stake), but the initiative took shape only in 2017, after good sporting results of Odra Opole. At the beginning of 2018, it was announced that the new stadium would be built on Północna Street, close to the Exhibition and Convention Center and Karolinka Shopping Center. A competition for the architectural concept was also launched.

How was the design for a new stadium in Opole created?

On August 14, 2018, the winning concept was selected by 90 Architekci studio in cooperation with the GMT office. The winning team was invited to produce the design documentation for the future venue. The project involves the construction of a typical football stadium, with single-level stands surrounding the pitch from all sides. A VIP zone will also be located on the stands, with the total capacity of the arena reaching 11,600 spectators. The first rows of the stands will be raised in relation to the pitch by 1.5-1.8 m. The auditorium will be entirely covered with a roof.

Inside the stadium there will be club, utility and technical areas, as well as catering and medical facilities plus conference rooms. From the outside, the stadium will be covered with a translucent, white membrane, curving into an arch, thus revealing the background. At night the facility will be able to be illuminated. Parking lots will be built next to the stadium.

What problems were encountered during the construction of the new stadium in Opole?

The rapidly growing costs of construction services and materials meant that the investment budget of PLN 100 million became unrealistic. The situation was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, while the work on the project was also prolonged. On September 24, 2020, it was announced that the company had received full design documentation and a building permit. The tender for the construction of the venue was launched on December 28, 2020.

When was the tender for the new stadium in Opole finalized?

After opening the bids on July 19, 2021, it turned out that all the offers exceeded the assumed budget (PLN 180 million at the time). Thanks to the City Council's decision to increase financing, on October 4, 2021 Mirbud, which offered the lowest amount (PLN 208.7 million), was announced the winner of the tender. The investment is to be carried out by Municipal Enterprise, thanks to which the city hopes to recover VAT (the incurred expenses would then be reduced to PLN 159 million). The costs also include about PLN 4 million spent on the building plot and almost PLN 3 million on the project itself.

When did the construction of the new stadium in Opole begin?

On December 14, 2021, a contract for the construction of the facility was signed with Mirbud. Even before the end of the year the construction site was handed over to the contractor. In January 2022, geodetic work began, and in March the site was fenced. Thanks to this, it was possible for the first earthworks to start shortly after. The stadium is expected to be commissioned after less than three years, by the end of 2024. After its opening, the old stadium on Oleska Street is to be demolished and an aqua park will be built in its place.