Stadion GKS-u Katowice – stadium description

The stadium on Bukowa St. lies in Chorzów, but is administrated by Katowice local authorities. It was first opened in 1955, back then without grandstands. First landfill terraces began to rise the following year, initially keeping intact with the traditional athletic layout. To this day two stands from that period exist: the western Blaszok (renowned for vociferous support, although its roof was added later) and the southern curve, long out of operation.

A breakthrough was to come in early 1980s, when construction of a new eastern grandstand began. At the time of opening (1984) it was one of the biggest and most modern single stands in Poland, accommodating club offices and all of the sporting infrastructure on three floors. Unfortunately the makeover ended with one more stand instead of all four. The north end was also entirely concrete, but uncovered. Over time it became the away section, though on some occasions home fans were also allowed inside.

Over the following decades the stadium was severely underdeveloped and began dilapidating. Plans of complete revamp began surfacing again in early twenty-first century, but local authorities had proven time and again they’re unable to deliver their promises.

In 2010 the north terrace was demolished, supposedly to make way for first of the new stands. However, the city had no resources to fund these sections and so in 2012 the empty end was filled with a temporary tubular stand for just 406 people, barely enough to meet league regulations.

While various concepts of redevelopment remained in planning phases only, the stadium had to undergo a thorough refreshment in 2012, worth just over $1 million. Seats, paintwork and new floodlights were installed, but the stadium still awaits the long-overdue reconstruction.