Stadion GOSiR

Ogólne informacje

Stadion Miejski w Gdyni is a football stadium in Gdynia, Poland. It is the home ground of Arka, but has also hosted several international games, including those of the Polish youth national team. The stadium holds 15,139 people and replaced an obsolete ground by the same name that stood here since 1964.ConstructionDesigned by Warsaw-based SPAK practice it allowed Gdynia to meet increasing standards, even though the structure also earned some criticism for roof construction that doesn't cover all spectators and has steel supports obstructing view from some seats. This was however chosen by Gdynia municipality due to budget constraints over much more effective cantilever roof. Demolition of the previous stadium started on December 1, 2009, with challenging foundation works done during harsh winter. By May 2010 first stand reached its maximum height with 20 rows of terracing. Works carried out by Budimex-Dromex were due to end in late 2010, but after delays were finished in early weeks of 2011.InaugurationThe opening ceremony of the stadium was held on 19 February 2011, with a historical exhibition match against Beroe Stara Zagora. The choice of opposition is due to Arka's historical links with Beroe as their first UEFA Cup Winners' Cup opponent in 1979. The game ended 1–1 with goals from Evgeni Yordanov and Emil Noll.