HERE THEY ARE, the stadia set to be transformed into a green hive of activity in the coming weeks.
Yes, Ireland are certain to fill the stadium in Poznan twice and in Gdansk we will face the reigning European and World Champions, Spain.
Have we any hope? Of course we do. But as Keano once said ‘fail to prepare and you prepare to fail’.
So to avoid missing vital minutes of a major tournament (like Keano) then get a load of these bad boys.
Stadion Miejski (City Stadium), Poznań
Vital statistics: Poland’s fifth largest stadium is the home of not only Lech Poznań, but also the less-illustrious Warta Poznań. The Municipal / City stadium has a capacity of 41,609 with steep stands meaning the ground allows little light to shine in on the pitch, so our freckled fellas shouldn’t suffer from the elements too much.
Jak tam dojechać / How do I get there? It has stood at this site on Bulgarska street since 1968, but has undergone its fair share of refurbishments, most recently in 2010.
It’s a small bit of a trek from the city centre fan zone (what stadium isn’t?), but once you’ve a bag full of cans and a song in your heart we’re sure the time will pass swiftly enough. Or you could always grab a bus (50,63 or 91) or a tram (number 1,6, 13 or 15).
What games are here? Ireland will play here twice, against Croatia and Italy, but that will be it for Poznań; no knockout games were awarded. Our Group C rivals will also play here twice each, except for Spain. Those crafty hombres will play all three of their group games in Gdansk.
Imagine this, but in green
YouTube credit: KibicSukcesu
PGE Arena, Gdansk
Vital statistics: Slightly larger than the ground in Poznan, the newly built ground once known as ‘Baltic Stadium’ seats 43,615.
Jak tam dojechać / How do I get there? And it wasn’t called ‘Baltic’ for nothing, from the city centre head for the coast. The four kilometer walk would take you along the banks of the port canal or you could take a 20 minute tram ride on the number 92 or 94.
What games are here? Like we said, Spain have claimed this turf as their own. They are not the only side to enjoy such a luxury, but we still reckon it’s a slightly unfair advantage.
After Group C is done and dusted the PGE will host a quarter-final featuring the runners-up from Group A and the winners of Group B which could possibly pit Poland against Germany. Tasty.
YouTube credit: hrvn1
