Euro 2012

Football. Administration of Wrocław on the opening New football stadium dreamt about a match Poland – Brazil. Chairman Michael Listkiewicz: We’ll try to bring Brazil to Poland but where they’ll play match – about that the PZPN will decide.

New football stadium in Wroclaw will be built at the end of 2010 year. It’ll seat 44000 spectators and will be one of the objects on which will be player Euro 2012 matches. Administration of city thinks about spectacular opening of stadium and making a party that All Poland will know about. A kind of spectacle could be duel of Polish and Brazil Representation. They want that match in April Or May 2011.

We dreamt About bring Brazil long time – Said Michael Janicki from City Office. President Dutkiewicz talked about it with chairman – Michael Listkiewicz. PZPN Has to come forward to brazil federation and FIFA with offer of organization the match – He says (more…)

Representatives of six cities – hosts of the euro 2012 and PL 2012 company – discuted in Poznań about preparing to European football championship.

- It was one of draft-meetings which are made cyclically once a month.We were already in Warsaw and in Gdańsk and in next month we’ll met in Wroclaw.And it’ll be done like this in next 4 years.We’ll meet to appraise what is done and appoint objectives for next months. – explained Marcin Hera , chairman of PL 2012

Representatives of Warsaw , Gdańsk , Wroclaw ,Poznań , Chorzów and Krakow during audiovisual presentations made raport of that what they’ve done in last month.After the end of meeting.Participants visited Civic Stadium which is being modernizated and Glogowska street which will connect center of Poznan with freeway. (more…)

A match-fixing scandal and a complacent attitude towards construction may undermine Poland’s ability to co-host Euro 2012

There is a rumour going around that Poland-Ukraine was awarded the rights to host Euro 2012 only by embittered Lennart Johansson acolytes looking to screw up Michel Platini’s reign. It is, almost certainly, nothing more than mischief-making, and yet there was a strange pause as Platini opened the envelope that could, with hindsight, be construed as horror. On that momentous day in Cardiff, west seemed to offer an arm to east and talk of the football family didn’t seem quite so hopelessly utopian, but since then optimism has withered. There are always scare stories ahead of major events, but recent events in Poland suggest these have more substance than most.

Securing the tournament was Michal Listkiewicz’s finest hour, finer even than running the line in the 1990 World Cup final (a photograph of which still adorns the back of his business card). As the president of the Polish football federation (PZPN) spoke about delivering a great victory for the family of Slavs, it was possible even to forget for a moment that it isn’t just his hair that has appeared to be made of Teflon. (more…)

The Prime Ministe,r Donald Tusk, ensured the presidents of cities - organizers of the EURO 2012 football championship that the build of stadiums in Gdansk, Wroclaw and Poznan will be co-financed by the central budget. During a meeting in Warsaw the Prime Minister and the representatives of praticular cities presented a schedule of the championship spadework and

the miniatures of building where the football matches will be played. Additionally, Donald Tusk informed about the calling of the Organizational Committee where he was going to be leader.

The intention of the Wednesday meeting it was not to quiten anybody. EURO championship is a great challenge so we need to work in the high agog. The rebuke of UEFA is not a problem, it is a support. - Tusk comments on the latest Europe Federation rating which put an attention to the ‘delay’ in Polish and Ukrainian preparation to the EURO 2012. The committee included, among others, vice-premiers Waldemar Pawlak and Grzegorz Schetyna, the Minister of Infrastructure - Cezary Grabarczyk, the Minister of Sport and Tourism - Mirosław Drzewiecki, four presidents of the following cities: Gdansk, Poznan, Warsaw and Wroclaw, the representaitve of PZPN and the leaders of all the parliamentary clubs. Tomasz Arabski was pointed as the committee’s secretary. (more…)

In two-week time the representatives of Polish and Ukrainian football federation will learn the UEFA reports about the conditions of EURO 2012 preparations. On the base of those reports further steps for the coming months will be defined.

During the meeting in Nyon all reports created on the base of UEFA experts’ visit in Poland and Ukraine (October 2007) will be shown. One report will deal with stadiums, the another one: transport infrastructure, which means roads, rails, airports and accomodation - said the leader of PZPN group that takes care of EURO 2012, Adam Olkowicz. (more…)

None of cities in Poland is as good prepared to the European football championships as Wroclaw, so you don’t have to afraid yellow card from UEFA - says Jan Tomaszewski, famous goalkeeper of Polish squad and sports activist. Today a five-person team of experts from the European Football Federation will be judging preparations of city to Euro 2012.

Experts who their experiences gained during many football events are going to be divided into three teams to examine building plans of stadium, roads in Wroclaw, communications, airport and hotels. They will also examine plans of football fan centres that is places where you can watch matches on large outdoor screens.
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Euro 2012 outside of Warsaw? This scenario is very propable. The capital may be replaced by Chorzów. Mirosław Drzewiecki, a dead cert candidate for minister of sport, does not rule this possibility out.

We may face an outrageous disgrace – championship of Europe 2012 will pass over the capital. Hitherto something like that has been unthinkable. Except for the championship in FRG in 1988, but only because in divided Germany Bonn played a purely administrative role. Now it turns out, that in five years the best players from the Old Continent and tens of thousands of fans will give wide berth to Warsaw. All that because of the argument about the location of National Stadium. (more…)

It left only 1800 days to the greatest event in the history of Poland. Although decision concerning organization of the European Football Championships in Poland and Ukraine was taken four months ago, the Government still hasn’t taken a list of investment which have to be carried out till the opening of Euro 2012, and also hasn’t prepared package of legal-organization changes which introduction in life is essential for Poland so as not to bring shame in the European arena…

Euro 2012 is not only a chance for historic sports success(Poles so far haven’t played in the European Football Championship finals) but also a chance for the promotion of the country as well as a chance for binging forward the realization of some cultural backwardness. After four months since granting the right to organize football championships it seems, that for the government institutions this decision was like a bolt out of the blue. Although nearly the next day after announcing the name of countries - finals host government and parliamentary policymakers announced bringing forward the realization of strategic investments, and no binding decisions has been taken till the middle of August. – There is no doubt that organization of Euro 2012 will initiate many positive processes which results can be perceptible for a long time. The motion, improvement in the realization of projects, simplifications of some procedures connected with realization of great investments are things which we need- says Wladyslaw Ortyl, deputy minister of regional development. (more…)

Recently we have many hotels and apartments offers from polish cities

Gdansk

Gdansk is the Polish maritime capital with the population nearing half a million. It is a large center of economic life, science, culture, and a popular tourist destination. Lying on the Bay of Gdansk and the southern cost of the Baltic Sea the city is a thousand years old. With its Hanseatic tradition, it has for ages played a major role in the commercial relationships between Northern and Western Europe on the one hand, and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe on the other hand. Today, Gdansk is the capital of the Pomeranian province and an important administration center.

The sleeping capacity of Gdansk outside the hotel system amounts to 9214 (youth hostels - 358 persons, camping fields - 360 persons, private lodging – 3208 persons, student dormitories - 5288 persons).

As of the end of 2004 in Pomerania Region there were over 800 facilities offering accommodation, including 95 hotels of all categories, within 75 km distance from Gdansk. Those facilities offer the total sleeping capacity of 90 thousand. Additionally the region has its own lodging base, e.g. private lodgings, agrotourism farms. Their total sleeping capacity is about 300 thousand. Dynamic development of tourism in this region allows for an assumption that by 2012 the sleeping capacity of available accommodation will increase by 30-45%, mainly in facilities of medium and high class. Look at the Gdansk hotels offer

Poznan

Poznań is a city in west-central Poland with over 578,900 inhabitants (2002). Located by the Warta River, it is one of the oldest cities in Poland, making it an important historical centre. Poznań’s impressive cathedral is the earliest cathedral in the country, containing the tombs of the first Polish rulers: duke Mieszko I, king Boleslaus the Brave, king Mieszko II, duke Casimir I the Restorer, duke Przemysł I and king Przemysł II.
Today the city is a vibrant centre of trade, industry, and education. Poznań is Poland’s 5th largest city and 4th biggest industrial centre. It is also the administrative capital of the Greater Poland Voivodeship. Look at the Poznan hotels offer

Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital of Poland and its largest city. It is located on the Vistula River roughly 370 kilometers (229.9 mi) from both the Baltic Sea coast and the Carpathian Mountains. Its population as of 2006 was estimated at 1,700,536, with a metropolitan area of approximately 2,900,000 to 3,000,000 people. The city area amounts to 516.9 square kilometers (199.6 sq mi), with an agglomeration of 6,100.43 square kilometers (2,355.4 sq mi) (Warsaw Metro Area - Obszar Metropolitalny Warszawy). Warsaw is the 7th biggest city in the European Union.

In the capital city and in the radius of 75 km from the city center there are many pensions, inns, youth hostels, student dormitories, camping fields, tourist centers, private lodgings and other night lodgings, which can provide additional accommodation during UEFA EURO 2012. Those facilities offer the total sleeping capacity of approximately 23,000, of standard varying from high to tourist (i.e. camping fields). Some of those facilities are located in areas attractive for tourists (e.g. Zalew Zegrzynski, Puszcza Kampinoska, Puszcza Kozienicka, Wisla, Pilica). Look at the Warsaw Hotels offer

Wroclaw

Wroclaw – the capital of Lower Silesia - is one of the oldest cities of Poland. Its turbulent history is embedded in the city walls and buildings. Thus, the city abounds in historic sights erected in various epochs and in different architectural styles.

Apart from being charmingly historic, Wroclaw is also a well-known cultural centre offering world-famous artistic events like music concerts, festivals, theatrical performances, international exhibitions.

In Wroclaw and its neighborhood there are many sites offering accommodation - cheap hotels, tourist houses, motels, youth hostels and camping fields. The total of: 62 hotels and tourist houses, 5 hostels, 4 camping fields and bivouac fields, with sleeping capacity of about 17,000. Look at the Wroclaw hotels offer

Chorzow

Chorzow, located in the very heart of the Katowice agglomeration, was only a few years back a typical Upper Silesian centre of huge industry. Transformations, taking place in the country along with a decade of the restored self-government caused the change of the city image.
The city has become more beautiful. It has been developing and utilising its capacities: central location in the region, convenient railway connections, already existing and constructed road arteries (Cross-Town Route and A-4 Motorway), close proximity to an airport in Pyrzowice, Katowice - the capital of the Voivodeship of Silesia in the immediate vicinity, traditions of the powerful craftsmanship environment, prospering trade and services, as well as the unique in Europe Voivodeship Culture and Leisure Park located within the city limits. Look at the Chorzow hotels offer

Cracow

rakow, a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. For centuries Krakow was the capital of Poland, the seat of kings, drawing great scholars and artists from the whole world. It is their talents and imagination we must thank for the city’s rich legacy of unique historical relics, which reflect the most important trends in European culture.
The renaissance Royal Castle at Wawel, the gothic St Mary’s Basilica, the historical trade pavilions of the Cloth Hall, the former separate Jewish city of Kazimierz, and even the Nowa Huta district, absorbed by Krakow together with its socialist-realist, industrial architecture, are all places which make a visit to Krakow extremely worthwhile.

Krakow and its nearest surroundings offer a vast accommodation base (apart from hotels). In Krakow itself hostels, private lodgings, dormitories and camping fields have sleeping capacity of about 20 thousand. In the radius of 75 km from the stadium, there are facilities other than hotels with sleeping capacity of about 3000. The number of facilities offering such accommodation is constantly growing, which will help guarantee adequate sleeping capacity by 2012. Look at the Cracow hotels offer

Warsaw

The National Stadium in Warsaw which has a capacity of 60 thousand seats will be built in the place where at present is the 10th Anniversary Stadium, or next to Washington roundabout in Prague-South. According to current conception the National Stadium is expected to be the main element of a sports-recreational centre (“the National Sport Centre”) which will including among others: a pool with Olympic parameters, a sports-auditorium hall on 15 thousand seats, as well as commercial part (shop centres, gastronomic centres).

The Central Sports Centre in Warsaw is the institution which is responsible for realization of investments. The whole investment is estimated at about 1,2 mld zlotys including cost of the stadium- about 650 mln zlotys.

The whole complex should be finished around 2010. The National Stadium is expected to be one of the main centres of the European Football Championships Euro 2012- where according to the original scheme it will be played among others: the opening match, some of the group matches, one quarter-final and one semi-final.

Towards the end of April 2007 the mayor of Warsaw, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, made a decision about the conditions of building development and developing of land for the investment of building the National Stadium.

Warsaw

Baltic Arena in Gdańsk which has a capacity of 44 thousand seats will be built in the part of city called Letnica, in the place, where at present are allotments. Liquidation of allotments – according to declarations of city authorities is expected to last at the most till the middle of 2008. The cost of investment which according to scheme will be finished around 2010 is estimated at about 900 mln zlotys.

There are expected to be played some group matches and one quarter final during the European Football Championships. Every day- apart from championships- Lechia Gdańsk is supposed to play matches in the stadium.

Baltic Areas Stadium is regarded to be the most attractive project of the stadium among all objects which were offered by Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012 matches. Our shape- especially in graphic symbols for night –resembles amber.

Below you can see the graphic symbols of the stadium in Gdańsk.

Wrocław

Olympic Stadium built in the interwar period is a stadium proposed by Wrocław in the official offer of Poland and Ukraine on Euro 2012.

According to conception of stadium conversion it is expected to reach capacity over 40 thousand seats and is expected to be a part of sports center, with a swimming pool, a sports hall, a shooting range, tennis courts and also shop centres and gastronomic centres.

Below you can see graphic symbols of Olympic Stadium after planned conversion.

Organizers of the European championships make plans for playing some group matches in Warsaw.

But after granted organization of championships to Poland and Ukraine authorities in Wrocław addressed building project of a new stadium for Euro 2012. This stadium would be located in Drzymaly Street in the part of city called Maslice. There are no projects of stadium so far, and possible realization of this conception depends on the possibility of obtaining by the city additional funds (a new stadium is estimated at over 100 mln EUR0).

So an issue concerning the choice of stadiums in Wrocław where the European championships matches would be played stays unnegotiated.

Poznan

The Municipal Stadium in Poznan in Bulgarska Street was built and was put into use in 1980. Lech Poznan plays their matches on this stadium.

Because of the European Football Championships the conversion of stadium is planned and this allows among others to enlarge its capacity almost twice (to 44 thousand seats). A car park for about 4000 parking spots and training field will be built. According to schemes of city authorities modernization is expected to finish in 2008. The cost of this investment is estimated at about 200 mln zlotys.

During the European Football Championships some group matches are expected to be played.

Below you can see graphic symbols of the Municipal Stadium in Poznan after finishing conversion.

The object in Poznan is the most advanced, as regards workmanship, the stadium which is suggested on the basic list of the Polish stadiums which will play host to footballers during the European championships in 2012.

Chorzow

Silesian Stadium in Chorzow is the largest existing sports stadium in Poland. From 1993 it functions as the national stadium for Polish football representation. The stadium is a part of Regional Centre of Culture and Sport in Chorzow, located near the border of Chorzow and Katowice.

Present capacity of stadium is over 47 thousand seats, and planned modernization is expected to led to increase this number to about 60 thousand seats. The conversion should be finished around 2010. Additionally, stadium stand are expected to be roofed over. The cost of this investment is estimated at about 90 mln zlotys.

Silesian Stadium in Chorzow was proposed as a substitute stadium in the official offer of Poland and Ukraine to organize the European Football Championships. However, in case of granting UEFA permission to increase the number of cities which participate in championships form 8 to 10 (what is likely – that what happened among others in the last championships in Portugal) stadium in Chorzow will be certainly one of the championships centres.

Cracow

Stadium Vistula Cracow in Reymont Street was built in the 50s, is at present (from 2004) under conversion. Modernization which is in progress has to increase capacity of stadium almost twice- from the existing 20 thousand seats to about 35 thousand. Not only the enlargement of stand is planned including stand addition in the corners but also building a two level main stand, as well as their complete roofing. The conversion should be finished around 2010.

Stadium Vistula in Cracow was proposed as a substitute stadium in the official offer of Poland and Ukraine to organize the European Football Championships. However, in case of granting UEFA permission to increase the number of cities which participate in championships form 8 to 10 (what is likely – that what happened among others in the last championships in Portugal) stadium in Cracow will be certainly one of the championships centres.

Below you can see graphic symbols of Stadium Vistula after finishing conversion.

Euro 2012 in danger. Warsaw and Gdansk will not manage to build the stadiums in time. Without the special act we won’t prepare the championship on time. - UEFA can’t take us the Euro back - warns the chairman of PZPN, Michał Listkiewicz.

As we know, no national stadium will have been built in Warsaw by 2010, although European football authorities demand it – we have to renegotiate the contract. We will ask UEFA to let us complete construction a year before the first match – admitted the Minister of Sport, Elżbieta Jakubiak, yesterday. (more…)

If 10-million Portugal, which is not that rich, managed to do it, then we can do it as well. Especially that they prepared whole championship and we have to organize just a half of it - promised the Prime Minister Kaczyński in April, just after Poland had been chosen a host of the Euro Championship 2012.

However, the government hasn’t done anything so far. The place for national stadium in Warsaw has not been appointed but the tender for design was invalidated because there is no time for this. It is already known that the capital and Gdańsk will not manage to transfer the objects into use by the second half of 2010 as it was promised to UEFA. Wroclaw declares to be on time but even there nothing is being built, there isn’t even any design of the stadium. Just in Poznan the city stadium has been renovated for a few years. (more…)

Uefa president Michael Platini reveals the surprise hosts of Euro 2012

Poland and Ukraine have been chosen to host the 2012 European Championships. Italy was widely expected to win the Uefa vote in Cardiff, with another joint bid from Croatia and Hungary also in the running.

However, Italy’s bid was overshadowed by last season’s referee corruption scandal and on-going problems with football-related crowd trouble.

It will be the first time that either Poland or Ukraine has hosted a major football championship.

Poland and Ukraine will host Euro 2012

Uefa president Michel Platini said: “Poland and Ukraine are surely a worthy winner. However, there are no losers today, rather only bids that have not won this time round.”

Platini’s announcement prompted scenes of jubilation in the host countries.

Polish Football Association chairman Michal Listkiewicz said: “There are 85 million people now waiting for this big football event.

“The friendship between our nations has a very long history. This big tournament will be an important milestone in the history of our two Slavic nations.”

His comments were echoed by Ukrainian football federation president Hryhory Surkis.

“This is a decisive day for our country. It will provide new opportunities for our country as it strives to integrate with Europe,” he said.

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