Select the correct answer: which of the following sentences applies to the Silesian Stadium?
A. It served as the national stadium before the establishment of PGE Narodowy.
B. It is called the Witches’ Cauldron.
C. Since 2020, it has been operating as the National Athletics Stadium.
D. All answers are correct.
Read the text below and see if you were right.
There are plenty of attractions waiting for you in the Silesian Voivodeship. You must see them!
Silesian Stadium in Chorzow – photos
We start our guided tour of the Silesian Stadium with a short history lesson, i.e. a summary of the most important events that took place there. At the very beginning we learn where the famous nickname of this facility, the Witches’ Cauldron, comes from. Be patient, we will explain it to you a little later… After the mini-lecture, we go further along the corridor – the same one through which the players go onto the pitch.
One of the first points we can see on the stadium map is the spa area. Biological regeneration is an extremely important issue to avoid injuries both during and after the match. The equipment does not seem modern, but we think that all you need to do is turn a blind eye (or preferably both at the same time) to the conditions here and you can successfully relax. Or at least forget about the pain.
Judging by the collection of suits of Polish National Team coach Michał Probierz from LANCERTO during Euro 2024, it might seem that the coach’s room should be dripping with luxury. However, we have to disappoint you. At the Silesian Stadium it is a surprisingly modest room with “retro” equipment. Despite the modernization of the entire facility, the trainer’s room looks a bit ascetic.
Apart from the playing field itself, the favorite place of visitors to all stadiums in the world is, of course, the players’ locker rooms. We don’t know why this is so. Perhaps hanging T-shirts allows fans to feel the presence of their idols? Although we don’t fully understand this phenomenon ourselves, we obviously took a photo against the background of T-shirts with famous names. And then we went to the racks of Wiolczi’s favorite goalkeepers.
Before going onto the pitch, you need to warm up properly. So we visit a specially designated room with a treadmill, ladders and gymnastic equipment. However, what draws our attention the most is the poor technical condition of the room – a torn tile, a worn carpet or a shabby wall. It doesn’t seem to matter for sports results, but it really needs a little refreshment.
Finally, the most important point of the program: the main arena. From the outside, the Silesian Stadium seems to be much smaller than it actually is. Although the older generation associates it with spectacular football matches, today it mainly serves as the National Athletics Stadium. Therefore, not only the turf attracts attention here, but also the running track with nine lanes. We make a big “Wow!”, sit in the substitute’s bench for a moment and feel like the players or coaches themselves.
We really wanted to see the VIP boxes. Unfortunately, due to ongoing renovation, we were unable to do so this time. However, we could take a walk along the corridor and see a gallery of the most important events that took place at the Silesian Stadium. These are not only sporting events, but also concerts of world-famous artists. The following artists played on the Chorzow stage: AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, Linkin Park, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Rammstein, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Police, The Rolling Stones and U2.
One of the last points of the tour is the museum room, which houses various exhibits related to many sports disciplines. Because from the very beginning, the Silesian Stadium was not only about football, but also speedway and athletics. In the showcases you will see a “book of events”, numerous souvenir photos, an “exhibit” connected with Marcin Gortat and a T-shirt autographed by Olympic champion Anita Włodarczyk.
The icing on the cake is the viewing point located at a height of 26 meters. From the top floor of the building you will be able to look not only at a fragment of the Silesian Park and the structure of the Silesian Stadium itself, but above all the stands and the pitch. The world is always more beautiful from a bird’s eye view, and the Witches’ Cauldron from this perspective – even more magical.
Silesian Stadium – Chorzow – guided tour – tickets
Ticket prices for visiting the Silesian Stadium are as follows (normal / reduced):
- long route – PLN 35 / PLN 25 (includes: reception, spa, dressing room, main arena, VIP box, gallery, museum hall, police station, press tribune).
- short route – PLN 20 / PLN 10 (includes: reception, spa, dressing room, main arena).
- viewing point – PLN 15 / PLN 10.
Children up to 3 years old enter free of charge.
Silesian Stadium in Chorzow – visiting hours
It is possible to visit the short route:
- from Monday to Friday at 9:00, 14:00, 16:30.
- on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 and 15:00.
It is possible to visit the long route:
- from Monday to Friday at 10:00, 12:00, 15:00.
- on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00.
You can enter the viewpoint from Monday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Silesian Stadium – Chorzow – visiting time
- The long route takes about 75 minutes and the short route takes about 30 minutes.
- If you go to the viewpoint, add an additional +/- 15 minutes.
Silesian Stadium in Chorzow – how to get?
The Silesian Stadium is located at Katowicka 10 in Chorzow.
- On foot/bike. The Silesian Stadium is approximately 2 kilometers from the center of Chorzow (30 minutes on foot, about 15 minutes on a two-wheeler) and over 5.5 kilometers from the center of Katowice (1 hour 20 minutes on foot, less than 25 minutes on a two-wheeler).
- Bus. The nearest bus stop is Chorzow Stadion Slaski.
- Tram. The nearest tram stops are Chorzow Stadion Slaski and Chorzow Stadion Slaski Petla Zachodnia.
- Train. The Silesian Stadium is located 2.5 kilometers from the Chorzow Batory railway station and 1.7 kilometers from the Chorzow Miasto railway station, and about 5.5 kilometers from the main station in Katowice.
- Car. If you come to visit by car, you don’t have to worry about parking. The Silesian Stadium offers over 900 parking spaces.
Silesian Stadium – Chorzow – interesting facts and tips
- It was here that the legend of world football – Pele – played his only match in Poland. It took place on May 25, 1960. The “King of football” beat the white and red goalkeeper twice, but his visit is still remembered with nostalgia rather than sadness.
- Before the modernization, instead of on stands with chairs, the audience sat on benches. There were no numbered seats, so the rule was “how many will get in”. People watched the events in a huge crowd, and sometimes even sat on each other’s laps. Although officially the former stadium could accommodate about 85,000 people, it was called the “100,000 stadium” due to the excessive attendance.
- The Silesian Stadium is the largest athletics arena in Poland. No wonder it serves as the National Athletics Stadium. The 9-lane track is covered with a special material that enables competitors to achieve personal records.
- And speaking of records – the Silesian Stadium is also the largest open music stage in our country. It was here that Dawid Podsiadło played the famous “360 degrees” concert, gathering 85,000 fans in one place. Or rather… 170,000 fans because he did it two days in a row.
- The Witches’ Cauldron is located in the Silesian Park in Chorzow – the largest city park in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. While here, be sure to also visit: Legendia – Silesian Amusement Park, Silesian Zoological Garden, the “Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park in Chorzow” Museum and the Planetarium. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Elka cable car.
- In 2024, Patryk ran the marathon for the third time. The finish line was at the Silesian Stadium.
Silesian Stadium in Chorzow – opinions / reviews
- Patrix – 7/10. It was cool to see this legendary stadium from the inside. It was nice to stand on great turf and run on the track. Unfortunately, the interior of the stadium is worn down by time and differs significantly from the National Stadium. The guide was rather undynamic. Despite everything, I think that it is worth visiting this place in your free time.
- Wiolczix – 7/10. It was great to visit a place that is a legend of Polish sport – and (as it turned out) not only football. We went sightseeing midweek at high noon, which had its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it was nice, because we were guided by two people, so we unexpectedly got a small VIP tour. On the other hand, there was no energy flowing from the group, and I felt a bit uncomfortable in this configuration. The stadium is impressive – especially the athletics part (especially the tracks for runners). However, anyone who was at PGE Narodowy will feel as if they had gone back to a previous era. Nevertheless, I consider the trip to the Witches’ Cauldron a success. I especially recommend going to the viewpoint to look at it from the upper perspective. Anyone who likes symmetry and Wes Anderson’s films will be pleased.
Silesian Stadium – Chorzow – frequently asked questions
How many people will enter the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow?
There are 54,378 seats at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow. During music events, when participants use not only the stands but also the stage, the facility can accommodate approximately 85,000 people.
Where does the name Witches’ Cauldron come from?
The Silesian Stadium was called the Witches’ Cauldron after the Poland-England match in June 1973. It was called this by journalists who witnessed this incredible football event. A huge crowd of white and red fans strongly supported their team, bringing the atmosphere on the pitch to a boil. Moreover, during the match, thick smoke from local factories hung over the stadium. The sum of these circumstances led to the defeat of the English, and the nickname Kocioł Czarownic became the unofficial name of the Chorzow stadium.
Can you visit the Silesian Stadium?
Yes, the Silesian Stadium is open to visitors. There are two routes to choose from (long and short), each guided by a guide. Those interested can also see the Witches’ Cauldron from a viewing point.
Is the Silesian Stadium indoors? Is the Silesian Stadium roofed?
Yes, the Silesian Stadium is indoors. It was roofed during the modernization of the facility, completed in 2017.
Who owns the Silesian Stadium?
The owner of the Silesian Stadium is the Silesian Voivodeship, i.e. the Marshal’s Office of the Silesian Voivodeship. The operator of the facility is Stadion Slaski Sp. z o. o.
Silesian Stadium in Chorzow – map
The Witches’ Cauldron is located in the Silesian Park.
