Spodek, Indoor sports arena in Katowice, Poland
Spodek is an indoor event hall in Katowice, Poland, distinguished by its round vaulted roof supported by hanging steel cables. The structure rests on a massive concrete base and can accommodate thousands of visitors for different events.
Construction began in the early 1960s and was temporarily halted due to ground conditions until a solution was found. The hall was finally opened to the public in the 1970s and has served as a central venue ever since.
The building takes its name from its shape, which resembles a flat flying object and catches the eye immediately. Many locals attend concerts and sporting events here, making it a gathering point for large crowds from across the region.
Visitors find the entrance on the northern side of the building, where signs guide them to different sections. Seats in the lower tier offer the best view of the stage, while upper tiers provide a wide overview of the entire interior.
Engineers tested the strength of the structure by having soldiers march in formation through the hall while measuring the resulting vibrations. This unusual test was meant to ensure the construction could withstand large crowds.
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