Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk

Polsat Plus Arena Gdansk was built as part of Poland's large-scale infrastructure programme ahead of UEFA Euro 2012, which Poland co-hosted with Ukraine. Construction ran from 2009 to 2011, designed by the German architectural practice RKW Rhode Kellermann Wawrowsky, and the stadium was formally inaugurated on 1 July 2011.

Construction and opening

RKW Rhode Kellermann Wawrowsky created a design that celebrates Gdansk's amber heritage through a translucent glass facade panels that glow amber under artificial light. The membrane roof covers all seats, providing weather protection for up to 41,620 spectators. Total construction costs exceeded 700 million PLN, making it one of the most expensive stadium projects in Polish history at the time.

Major renovations

The stadium has undergone progressive technical improvements since opening. Its identity has changed primarily through successive naming rights agreements: PGE Arena Gdansk (2011–2015), then Stadion Energa Gdansk (2015–2021), and from 2021 the current name Polsat Plus Arena Gdansk, each reflecting a new title sponsor.

Notable moments

The stadium's most celebrated events include four UEFA Euro 2012 matches: three group-stage games and a quarter-final. The opening match of the tournament for both nations — Czech Republic vs. Poland (1:0) on 8 June 2012 — drew enormous domestic attention. A decade later, on 26 May 2021, the stadium hosted the UEFA Europa League Final: Villarreal CF vs. Manchester United finished 1:1 after extra time, with Villarreal winning 11:10 on penalties in the longest penalty shootout in UEFA final history.

Lechia Gdansk is one of Poland's oldest football clubs, founded in 1945, and its supporters — known as Bialo-Zieloni (the White-and-Greens) — bring a passionate and musically rich matchday culture to the stadium in Letnice.

Fan culture

Lechia's supporter identity is closely tied to the city of Gdansk: the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, a medieval Hanseatic trading hub, and the amber capital of the world. When the club filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and was reformed, fans played a direct role in the revival, deepening the emotional bond between city and club. On matchdays the north stand ultras groups produce coordinated tifo displays referencing Gdansk's symbols — amber, the civic lion, and the city coat of arms — alongside sustained vocal support.

Big matches

The most memorable occasion in the stadium's history remains the UEFA Euro 2012 opening match for both nations: Czech Republic vs. Poland (1:0) on 8 June 2012, played before a sold-out crowd of mixed Polish and Czech supporters. The atmosphere was widely described as among the warmest and most vibrant of the entire tournament. Equally historic was the UEFA Europa League Final on 26 May 2021: Villarreal CF defeated Manchester United 11:10 on penalties after a 1:1 draw, in front of approximately 9,000 fans permitted under then-current public health restrictions. The match entered football history as the longest penalty shootout ever in a UEFA final.

Polsat Plus Arena Gdansk is a fully operational public venue hosting Lechia Gdansk league fixtures throughout the Ekstraklasa season as well as concerts and international events year-round.

How to get there

The stadium's address is ul. Pokolen Lechii Gdanskiej 1, Gdansk. Tram lines 2 and 7 run directly from the city centre to the dedicated stop Polsat Plus Arena (formerly Stadion Energa). Journey time from Gdansk Główny main railway station is approximately 15 minutes. By car, paid parking is available in and around the stadium site, but public transport is strongly recommended on match days.

Tickets and tours

Lechia Gdansk match tickets can be purchased online at lechia.pl and at stadium box offices on matchdays. Prices range from approximately 30 to 120 PLN depending on stand and fixture importance. Guided stadium tours are available on non-matchday dates; schedules and booking are listed on the club's official website.

Visitor tips

• When to go: Fixtures against Legia Warsaw or Wisla Krakow sell out fastest — book well in advance.
• What to wear: Green-and-white Lechia colours are welcomed; away supporters use a dedicated sector.
• Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol inside Polish stadiums is subject to Ekstraklasa regulations — check current rules before attending.
• Combining with sightseeing: Gdansk's historic Old Town (Stare Miasto) is 15 minutes by tram — the Long Market, Neptune's Fountain, and the European Solidarity Centre are all walkable from the city-centre tram stop.