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97-821: The final took place on 20 July 1952 in the Polish Army Stadium . The final was between the winners of each group, Wawel Kraków and Cracovia , with Wawel winning the final. There were also playoffs for the 3rd and 5th places. All finals took place in the Polish Army Stadium on 20 July 1952. Fifth place playoff Lech Poznań vs Lechia Gdańsk – 2:1 (2:1) Third place playoff Wisła Kraków vs AKS Chorzów – 2:1 (1:1) Final 1st: Wawel Kraków 2nd: Cracovia 3rd: Wisła Kraków 4th: AKS Chorzów 5th: Lech Poznań 6th: Lechia Gdańsk Polish Army Stadium The Polish Army Stadium ( Polish : Stadion Wojska Polskiego , pronounced [ˌstadjɔn ˌvɔjska pɔlˈskʲɛɡɔ] ), official named

194-542: A 25,000 seated audience and installing artificial lighting. Speedway held significant fixtures at the stadium, including qualifying rounds of the Speedway World Championship in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1961, 1962 and 1964. At the end of 1987, at the Legia stadium, the speedway track was removed and the football field was widened. The necessity to build a new stadium for Legia Warszawa players increased in

291-416: A capacity of 30,500 to 35,000 spectators, with underground parking, and – a first at a Polish sports facility – was supposed to have a fully retractable roof. The City, however, did not accept the consortium's condition that all the funds for the construction be secured by the investor prior to the construction. The Polish side cancelled the deal. On 26 September 2006, Legia's new owners – ITI Group – during

388-643: A common room. There was a running track and a cycling track around the pitch. It officially opened on 9 August 1930. The first motorcycle speedway was raced on 9 November 1930 and in 1933, the stadium was officially named the Polish Army Stadium. The stadium suffered damage during World War II and the offensive of the Red Army and the Polish Army in January 1945. After the end of the war,

485-512: A decline in the league's competitive stature compared to previous decades. The challenges faced by clubs in the 1980s set the stage for efforts to revitalize and modernize Polish football in the subsequent years. The 1990s marked a period of transition and transformation for the Ekstraklasa. The decade witnessed the country's transition to a market economy, which had a profound impact on football, leading to both challenges and opportunities for

582-455: A different city. The 1931 champion, Garbarnia, was unique as this was the first time that the league had been won by a side whose all players had been bought from other teams. As has been said, the early 1930s marked a decline of the dominance of Kraków and Lwów as centers of Polish football. The point of gravity slowly moved towards west – to Polish part of Upper Silesia, which had belonged to Poland since 1921 (see: Silesian Uprisings ). In 1932

679-461: A focus on youth development, and efforts to modernize various aspects of the league. The decade laid the groundwork for further advancements in Polish football as it moved into the 2020s. There are 18 clubs in the Ekstraklasa. During the course of the season each club plays the others twice, once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for a total of 34 games. From the 2013–14 till

776-457: A growing emphasis on youth development and the nurturing of homegrown talent within the league. Clubs invested in their academies, and the emergence of young, talented players became a noticeable trend. This focus on youth development aimed to strengthen the national team and contribute to the long-term success of Polish football. Financial stability remained a challenge for some clubs, leading to occasional struggles and changes in ownership. However,

873-408: A meeting with the acting President of Warsaw Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz , in the club premises presented their own idea of rebuilding the stadium. Their idea provided for the construction of the stadium in stages (so that the club could still play games during the construction), with the capacity between 31,000 and 34,000 seats (depending whether standing spaces were included). In November of that year,

970-517: A new stadium on the said land. The decision led to the announcement of tender for redevelopment of the Legia's facilities. On 25 September 2006, the City of Warsaw dismissed the offer of the German consortium: HMB Stadien GmbH und Sportstättenbau with Wayss Schlüsselfertigbau und Freytag AG and Krupp Stahlbau Hannover GmbH, which had won the tender. Their project planned the construction of a building with

1067-429: A period of continued evolution and competitiveness for the Ekstraklasa. This decade featured a mix of established clubs maintaining their dominance, the emergence of new contenders, and increased efforts to modernize and elevate the overall standard of Polish football. Wisła Kraków continued their success from the late 1990s into the early 2000s, securing multiple Ekstraklasa titles during this period. The club's triumphs in

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1164-497: A shift in the balance of power within the league. Meanwhile, Legia Warsaw, one of Poland's most successful clubs, experienced a resurgence in the late 1970s. They secured Ekstraklasa titles in the 1976–77 and 1978-79 seasons, adding to their already impressive trophy cabinet. Legia Warsaw also made notable achievements in European competitions during this period. On the international stage, Polish football gained global recognition with

1261-443: A stable format and saw some clubs begin to assert their dominance. This era laid the groundwork for further developments and successes in the coming decades. The Ekstraklasa continued with ten teams participating in the competition, maintaining the same format as the previous season. Górnik Zabrze extended their dominance, securing their fifth league title in a decade. The league expanded its format once again, this time to 12 teams for

1358-557: A two-stage, complete reconstruction in the years 2008–2011. Only a small part of the main building facade was preserved from the old construction (with another part being precisely reconstructed). With space for 31,103 spectators it is the 5th biggest football stadium in Ekstraklasa and the 7th biggest in the country. The stadium is equipped with a heated pitch, training pitch, underground parking, sport bar, club museum and other facilities. The stadium, which for decades belonged to

1455-469: A win awarded 2 points and 1 point for a draw. In seasons 1986–87 – 1989–90 for win at least three goals difference additionally awarded 1 point, while a losses at least 3 goals difference subtracted one point. Since the season 1995–96 for win gives 3 points and 1 point for a draw. 3. Included additional qualification games between both teams and league championship and remain in the league (including 11 games in 1948 , 1986–87 , 1987–88 , 1988–89 ) and

1552-417: A year after the independence of Poland in 1918. The first games of the freshly created league took place on 3 April 1927, while the first national non-league football championship took place in 1920. A total of 86 teams have played in the top division of Polish football since the founding of the league, 20 of which have won the title. The current champions are Jagiellonia Białystok , who won their 1st title in

1649-585: Is the top Polish professional league for men's association football teams. Contested by 18 clubs, operating a system of promotion and relegation with the I liga , seasons start in July, and end in May or June the following year. Teams play a total of 34 games each. Games are played on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. The winner of the Ekstraklasa qualifies for the Polish Super Cup . Since 2005,

1746-406: Is 31,103 all seating spaces, however it is possible to increase the capacity up to 33,609, by way of creating 6,126 standing spaces (leaving 27,483 seats). These figures include press posts and VIP seats in the total amount of 2,137. The number of press posts can be increased at the cost of seats for regular spectators. The location of the stands compared to the old stadium has not been changed. Only

1843-430: Is five storeys high and is fully roofed with its maximum height not allowed to be higher than nearby Ujazdów Castle . The stadium includes press boxes, office spaces, as well as a fitness and wellbeing center for players and coaching staff. There are also 12 catering stands, a sports bar, Legia club museum and two club merchandise stores located within the stadium. The stadium's capacity is variable. The general capacity

1940-541: Is in the north-west corner. Between 2011 and early 2015 the stadium was officially known as Pepsi Arena on the basis of a sponsorship agreement with PepsiCo . Currently the stadium naming rights are not commercially exploited. Żyleta ( Polish pronunciation: [ʐɨˈlɛta] , English: the Razor ) is a common name for the northern stand in the Polish Army Stadium in Warsaw , Poland , traditionally occupied by

2037-400: Is located at the back of the southern, eastern, and northern stands. The first level accommodates 387 vehicles, the second level 392. Moreover, in front of the main grandstand there are spaces for 18 cars (a VIP section). In total, the stadium offers 797 parking spaces. The entrance to the car park is located in the north-east corner of the stadium, and a separate entrance dedicated to team buses

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2134-475: Is one of Poland's most decorated footballers, having won 97 caps and scored 41 goals for the white and reds (the national team). A gold medal winner at the 1972 Munich Olympics (and top scorer with nine goals), he was also part of the third-placed Polish team at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, before winning the silver medal with the national side at the 1976 Summer Olympics . It was in 1974 that he

2231-528: Is the list of the teams (in the order they finished in November 1927): In this first season of the league, fight for championship was decided between two powerful teams – Wisła Kraków and 1.FC Katowice. This rivalry was treated very seriously, not only by the two sides involved, but also by the whole nation. 1.FC was regarded as the team supported by German minority, while Wisła, at the end of this historic season, represented ambitions of all Poles. Some time in

2328-466: Is the main route between different sections of a particular stand. Fans may not access other stands through the promenade. The Legia club museum is located within the north stand. It was established with the cooperation of Legia supporters, in particular with its current custodian - Wiktor Bołba. The concept of the museum is to guide visitors through all the periods of club's history. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions commemorating important events in

2425-459: The 2023–24 season . On 4–5 December 1926 in Warsaw, representatives from several Polish clubs met to discuss the creation of a league. It is unknown where the idea of a Polish league originated from, however a national league was thought to be a much more practical solution than hitherto practiced two-stage system of regional matches followed by a national match. To the dismay of clubs' officials,

2522-516: The Champion of Poland title to the winner of the Polish Cup, in order to increase the importance of the re-activated cup competition. Ruch Chorzów was 6th in the league, but won the cup, beating 2-0 Wisła Kraków in the final game. Wisła Kraków was announced the league champion. Note: This list is not synonymous with a list of Polish football champions . Bold indicates clubs playing in

2619-589: The Marshall Józef Piłsudski Legia Warsaw Stadium ( Polish : Stadion Legii Warszawa im. Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego ), is an all-seater , highest fourth category football-specific stadium located at 3 Łazienkowska Street in the Śródmieście district, Powiśle area, within the square of the streets: Łazienkowska , Czerniakowska, Kusocińskiego and Myśliwieck. It is the home ground of Legia Warsaw football club, who have been playing there since 9 August 1930. The stadium underwent

2716-523: The Polish Armed Forces , is currently owned by the City of Warsaw . In 1929, Legia obtained a subsidy that enabled the implementation of the plan to build a representative Military Stadium. The stadium was built according to the design of Maksymilian Dudryk-Darlewski. Under the main stand, which had a capacity of 5,000 people, there were club rooms, locker rooms, gymnasiums, sports magazines and

2813-519: The Polish Army (which, after May Coup of 1926, played a key role in all aspects of public life), proceeded anyway. The creation of the League was announced on 1 March 1927. The only opponent of the league's formation was Cracovia – a very influential and strong organization in Polish football of the 1920s. Cracovia's boycott was because its chairman, Dr. Edward Cetnarowski , at the same time held

2910-413: The 1958 season. Legia Warsaw regained its position at the top, clinching the league title in this year. The league contracted back to ten teams for the 1959 season. Górnik Zabrze returned to their winning ways, capturing the league title for the fourth time in the decade. Overall, the 1950s marked a period of consolidation and growth for the Ekstraklasa. Despite being a relatively young league, it experienced

3007-441: The 1961 season. Legia Warsaw reclaimed the top spot, winning the league title. Over these two seasons, the league maintained the same 12-team format. As of 1962, the league began to hold its games in the fall-spring system (1962 season was limited to the spring only, and the fall saw the start of 1963 championship). Górnik Zabrze returned to their winning ways, clinching two more league titles in 1962 and 1963.. The Ekstraklasa reduced

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3104-420: The 1969 season. Ruch Chorzów returned to their winning form, capturing the league title. Overall, the 1960s saw the Ekstraklasa continue to evolve and grow, with various changes to the number of participating teams. Górnik Zabrze and Legia Warsaw remained dominant forces, but other clubs like Polonia Bytom and Ruch Chorzów also had their moments of success. The decade was marked by competitive football and showcased

3201-449: The 1973–74 and 1974-75 seasons. Górnik Zabrze, on the other hand, had already established themselves as a powerhouse, having won numerous league titles in the 1960s, and continued to be competitive throughout the 1970s. The mid-1970s saw the emergence of another strong contender, Widzew Łódź. They clinched their first Ekstraklasa title in the 1975-76 season, breaking the monopoly of Ruch Chorzów and Górnik Zabrze. Widzew Łódź's success signaled

3298-401: The 1980s witnessed a shift in power, with Lech Poznań emerging as a dominant force in the Ekstraklasa. Lech Poznań secured consecutive league titles in the 1982–83 and 1983-84 seasons. Their success brought a new chapter to the league, with fresh faces making an impact on the domestic football scene. Despite the challenges at the club level, the Polish national team achieved a notable milestone in

3395-469: The 1980s. They finished in 3rd place at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, showcasing the resilience of Polish football despite the adverse conditions. In summary, the 1980s were a challenging period for the Ekstraklasa, marked by political and economic difficulties that impacted the overall state of Polish football. While certain clubs like Widzew Łódź and Lech Poznań enjoyed success, the era was characterized by

3492-431: The 1998–99 and 1999-2000 seasons. The 1990s also saw the emergence of talented players who would go on to make significant contributions to both the Ekstraklasa and the national team. Despite the challenges posed by economic factors and changes in the football landscape, Polish football experienced a sense of renewal and dynamism in the 1990s. The increased competitiveness within the league and the emergence of new talent laid

3589-405: The 2019–20 season, after the 30th round the table was divided into 'champion' (top eight teams) and 'relegation' (bottom eight teams) groups. Each team played seven more games (teams ranked 1–4 and 9–12 would host four games at home). The 2016–17 season was the last when teams started an extra round with half the points (rounded up) achieved during the first phase of 30 matches. The changes extended

3686-517: The Ekstraklasa featured eight teams from various Polish cities, including Warsaw, Krakow, Gdynia, and others. Ruch Chorzów became the first champions of the newly formed league, winning the title in the 1950 season. Throughout these years, the league format remained relatively stable, with the same number of teams participating each season. Legia Warsaw asserted its dominance during this period, winning three consecutive Ekstraklasa titles in 1951, 1952, and 1953. The Ekstraklasa expanded its format, increasing

3783-427: The Ekstraklasa title in the 2009-10 season. Lech Poznań's success reflected a broader trend of increased parity and competition within the league. Efforts to modernize and professionalize Polish football gained momentum during this decade. The league underwent structural changes, and there were initiatives to improve training facilities, youth development programs, and overall infrastructure. These efforts aimed to enhance

3880-441: The League. In 1935 this number was cut to 11 and in 1936 – to 10. Football officials did it on purpose – with fewer teams, the competition was supposed to be harder, which would attract fans to the stadiums. However, supporters' turnout was not impressive, with Ruch Chorzów as the most popular team, both at home and away. In late 1935 (the league held its games in the spring-summer-fall system) fans were shocked to find that Cracovia,

3977-492: The PZPN was not receptive to the idea of a national league and therefore sought to thwart it. However, it turned out that virtually all but one of the Polish clubs supported the idea. The decision to create it was made regardless what PZPN's representatives thought of it. In late February 1927, at the PZPN's meeting in Warsaw, its officials openly opposed the formation of a league, but the clubs, allegedly egged on by some generals from

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4074-578: The UEFA Europa League group stages and the UEFA Champions League play-offs. Lech Poznań continued to be a strong contender, winning the Ekstraklasa title in the 2009-10 season and consistently finishing among the top teams in subsequent years. The competition for the championship became more intense, with several clubs vying for the top spot, including Wisła Kraków, Śląsk Wrocław, and Jagiellonia Białystok. The 2010s were marked by

4171-527: The champion was Cracovia , but starting in 1933, Ruch Chorzów (then: Ruch Wielkie Hajduki ) completely dominated the league, being the champion for four times in a row. Ruch, with such excellent players as Teodor Peterek , Ernest Wilimowski and Gerard Wodarz was by far the best team in those years. For example, in 1934 it finished seven points ahead of second Cracovia. Other important teams of these years were: Cracovia, Wisła Kraków , Pogoń Lwów and Warta Poznań . In 1933 and 1934 there were 12 teams in

4268-409: The champion, Garbarnia finished second with 32 points and Klub Turystow was relegated. In 1930, Cracovia regained the championship, (to repeat this success in 1932) and a year later another Kraków's side, Garbarnia, won the league. It is clear that the 1927–1932 period was marked by dominance of teams from Kraków . During this time, only once (Warta Poznań, 1929) the championship was won by a side from

4365-481: The club signed a 23-year lease with the City of Warsaw. In June 2007, the Warsaw City Council allocated 360 million PLN in funding (which later had to be increased to 460 million PLN ) for the construction of the new stadium according to the club's proposed design. In April 2008 the then President of Warsaw Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz issued a permit for the construction of the stadium. On 12 November 2008

4462-501: The club to finalize the project named Let’s built a monument for Deyna . There was a competition launched to design Deyna's monument. The winner was a project designed by Tomasz Radziewicz. The design was selected via an Internet poll , and many different actions have been undertaken by fans to raise money for this monument. The 3.2 m tall statue was cast from bronze and it is situated on a small illuminated socle . The official unveiling ceremony took place on 6 June 2012. Kazimierz Deyna

4559-496: The club's colours. The lower level of the stands is green, while the upper is a mix of three colors: green, white and red. There is a white inscription "LEGIA" on the east grandstand. The railings of the stadium are made of glass, which allows to comfortably watch the sport events. The railings are 130 cm high and 2 cm thick. They consist of double-layer glass shields, which may resist up to 200 kg per square meter. The stadium has two video screens . They are attached to

4656-414: The club's history. It was opened on October 23, 2010 - the 63rd anniversary of Kazimierz Deyna 's birth. The Sports Bar & Restaurant "Łazienkowska 3" is located within the north stand (under the famous " Żyleta "). The facility is open not only during the games but also during the week. Inside the restaurant, there are TV screens, where sports events are broadcast. It was opened on 7 August 2010 before

4753-464: The defining moments of the 1980s was the imposition of martial law in Poland in 1981. This had a profound impact on the country's football landscape, disrupting the regular functioning of the Ekstraklasa and leading to the suspension of the league for a brief period. Amidst the political turmoil, certain football clubs managed to assert their dominance in the league. Widzew Łódź continued their success from

4850-547: The demolition of all the stands and the construction of brand new ones, with only the historic façade of the main "Kryta" grandstand preserved. The stadium is commonly referred to as the "Nowy Stadion (New Stadium)" in its current form. The new stadium, designed by the German studio JSK Architekten, meets the criteria for the UEFA Elite class, which allows it to host semi-finals of the Champions League . The facility

4947-545: The destroyed areas were rebuilt. At the end of the 1950s, attendance records were set at the Stadium when Legia won the Polish championship and qualified for European cups. The first record, 40,000 spectators was set on 19 September 1956 during the European Cup match between Legia Warszawa and Slovan Bratislava. In the 1960s, the stadium underwent one of the most significant modernisations in its history, able to accommodate

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5044-432: The emergence of new talents in the Polish football landscape. The 1970s were a significant period in the history of the Ekstraklasa. During this decade, Polish football experienced both domestic and international success, with several teams and players leaving their mark on the league. In the early 1970s, Ruch Chorzów and Górnik Zabrze were dominant forces in the Ekstraklasa. Ruch Chorzów secured back-to-back championships in

5141-557: The fall of 1927 in Katowice, an ill-fated game between 1.FC and Wisła took place. Stakes were very high – the winner would become the champion. Kraków's side won 2–0 and became the champion. 1.FC finished second, third was Warta Poznań. In 1928, Cracovia finally decided to enter the league, which was gladly accepted by all fans of football. However, championships were once again won by Wisła, with such excellent players as Henryk Reyman , Mieczysław Balcer and Jan Kotlarczyk . Warta Poznań

5238-459: The following months. They were later penalized: The following data indicates Polish coefficient rankings between European football leagues. UEFA League Ranking for the 2019–2024 period: UEFA 5-year Club Ranking for the 2019–2024 period: Since 1994, Ekstraklasa broadcast rights have been held by Canal+ Poland , with several other broadcasters presenting select games over the years. In 2022, Canal+ renewed their rights through 2027 in

5335-458: The football landscape. The 2010s brought further changes and developments to the Ekstraklasa. This decade witnessed a continuation of the league's efforts to modernize, increase competitiveness, and enhance the overall quality of Polish football. Legia Warsaw emerged as a dominant force, securing multiple Ekstraklasa titles throughout the decade. Legia not only dominated domestically but also made notable appearances in European competitions, reaching

5432-441: The groundwork for a more vibrant and evolving Ekstraklasa in the years to come. In summary, the 1990s were a transformative period for the Ekstraklasa, characterized by a changing economic landscape, the emergence of new contenders, and the continued success of established clubs. The decade set the stage for further developments in Polish football, with increased competition and a focus on nurturing young talent. The 2000s represented

5529-415: The inaugural match against Arsenal F.C. The TV studio is located in the south-west corner of the stadium, on the second level of the stands. It is suitable for hosting various kinds of presentations and conferences . Within the studio, the stadiums operational centre is located, where the sound system , lighting and monitoring systems are managed. Inside the stadium there is a two-level car park. It

5626-445: The investor – the City of Warsaw – signed an agreement with a consortium Polimex - Mostostal for the construction works. On 17 November 2008 the first stage of the new stadium construction began. This stage provided for the demolition and construction of three stands: the southern, the eastern, and the northern one. Works began by the demolition of the club's old premises and of the eastern stand (the famous " Żyleta "). The first stage

5723-476: The land, which belonged to the military, effectively discouraged potential investors. The new hope came together with the new owners – Daewoo company, which bought the majority stake in Legia in the late 1996. The Korean club owners strongly lobbied the City of Warsaw to take over the property and invest in the new facility, however, the then owners of the site – the Military Property Agency –

5820-500: The late 1970s into the early 1980s, clinching Ekstraklasa titles in the 1980–81 and 1981-82 seasons. Their consistency during this period showcased their resilience in challenging circumstances. Górnik Zabrze and Legia Warsaw remained competitive but faced increased challenges, both domestically and in European competitions. The economic difficulties in Poland had an impact on the financial stability of football clubs, affecting their ability to attract and retain top talent. The latter part of

5917-402: The league between seasons of 1992 and 1998. The Ekstraklasa underwent significant changes during the 1950s, reflecting the turbulent political and social landscape of post-World War II Poland. The Ekstraklasa was officially established as the top division of Polish football. It replaced the previous Polish Football Championship, which had been in existence since the 1920s. The inaugural season of

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6014-521: The league continued to attract international attention, and the quality of play improved, making the Ekstraklasa a more competitive and entertaining competition. The implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the later years of the decade aimed to enhance the fairness and accuracy of officiating in the league. This technological advancement reflected the broader trend of incorporating modern tools and practices to improve

6111-555: The league is operated by the Ekstraklasa Spółka Akcyjna . The Ekstraklasa (former I liga) was officially formed as Liga Polska on 4–5 December 1926 in Warsaw , since 1 March 1927 as Liga Piłki Nożnej ( Polish pronunciation: [ˈlʲiɡa ˈpiwki ˈnɔʐnɛj] ), but the Polish Football Association (Polish: Polski Związek Piłki Nożnej, PZPN) had been in existence since 20 December 1919,

6208-459: The league, along with their participation in European competitions, contributed to their status as a major force in Polish football. Legia Warsaw also experienced a resurgence, winning the Ekstraklasa title in the 2001–02 and 2005-06 seasons. Their achievements not only showcased their domestic prowess but also marked a return to competitiveness on the European stage. The 2000s witnessed the rise of several other clubs, including Lech Poznań, who secured

6305-470: The league. Lech Poznań continued their success from the late 1980s into the early 1990s, winning the Ekstraklasa title in the 1991-92 season. The club's achievements reflected a certain stability in performance, even as other clubs adapted to the changing economic and football landscape. Widzew Łódź and Legia Warsaw remained competitive during the early 1990s, with Legia achieving success in both domestic and international competitions. Legia Warsaw notably reached

6402-522: The legend of this sport, was relegated to the A-class. Kraków's side absence lasted for a year – it returned in 1937, to become the champion. Ruch Chorzów was still the dominant team, winning the Championships in 1936 and 1938. In 1937 Ruch's streak of four consecutive champions was broken by Cracovia , and in 1939 the championships were not finished. By 31 August 1939, after some 12 games, Ruch

6499-579: The mid-1990s, when Legia had one of the most successful periods in its history. Championship of Poland (1994, 1995), Polish Cup (1995, 1997), semi-final of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1991) and the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League (1996) strengthened the demand to modernize or even replace the old facility. Ultimately, however, until 1997 virtually nothing on this subject has been done. The complicated legal status of

6596-464: The most spontaneous and fanatical fans of the Legia Warsaw football club . Before the stadium's renovation (2008–2011), the “old” Żyleta referred only to the central section of the eastern stand of the stadium (occasionally, it would also refer to eastern stand as a whole). There is a special exhibition dedicated to the "old" Żyleta in the Legia club museum. Today, after the stadium renovation,

6693-491: The national team has played six matches at the stadium. Five of them were friendlies. 52°13′13.66″N 21°2′26.26″E  /  52.2204611°N 21.0406278°E  / 52.2204611; 21.0406278 Ekstraklasa Ekstraklasa ( Polish pronunciation: [ˌɛkstraˈklasa] ; meaning "Extra Class" in Polish), officially known as PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa due to its sponsorship by PKO Bank Polski ,

6790-404: The national team's success in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Several players from Ekstraklasa clubs were key contributors to the national team's historic third-place finish, further enhancing the league's reputation. In summary, the 1970s were a dynamic and competitive era in the history of the Ekstraklasa. The decade witnessed the continued success of established clubs like Górnik Zabrze and Ruch Chorzów,

6887-455: The need for continued efforts to address the various aspects of the football ecosystem. In summary, the 2000s were a period of transition and growth for the Ekstraklasa, marked by the continued success of established clubs, the emergence of new contenders, and efforts to modernize and professionalize Polish football. The decade set the stage for further advancements in the subsequent years, as the league continued to adapt to changing dynamics within

6984-508: The number of teams from 12 to 10 for the 1964 season. Górnik Zabrze continued their exceptional run, securing the league title yet again. The league featured ten teams throughout these seasons. Polonia Bytom enjoyed a successful period, winning back-to-back league titles in 1965 and 1966. The Ekstraklasa expanded to include 14 teams for both the 1967 and 1968 seasons. Legia Warsaw reestablished their dominance, clinching two league titles in consecutive years. The league contracted back to 12 teams for

7081-413: The number of teams from eight to ten for the 1954 season. Gwardia Warsaw won their first and only Ekstraklasa title during this season. The league continued with ten teams participating in the competition over the next three seasons. Górnik Zabrze emerged as the dominant force, securing three consecutive league titles in 1955, 1956, and 1957. The Ekstraklasa expanded once more, growing to include 12 teams for

7178-422: The overall football experience. On the international stage, Polish football continued to produce talented players who made their mark in European leagues. The national team also achieved notable success, making it to the quarterfinals at UEFA Euro 2016. In summary, the 2010s were a period of continued growth and development for the Ekstraklasa, marked by the dominance of clubs like Legia Warsaw, increased competition,

7275-471: The parking lots. The seats in the stadium are made from polypropylene . They are resistant to weather conditions and mechanical damage. A similar model is already used in Allianz Arena . The stadium has three categories of seats: the regular seats, press seats and VIP seats. Press seats have additional desktop space, power sockets and Internet access. Seat colours on the stadium is associated with

7372-446: The playing field has been slightly moved in a south-eastern direction. The stadium has four two-level stands. These are: the western stand (the main stand, commonly referred to as "Kryta"), the eastern stand (named after Kazimierz Deyna ), the northern stand (commonly referred to as " Żyleta ") and the southern stand (unofficially named after Lucjan Brychczy ). Within the first level of the southern, eastern and northern stands located are

7469-529: The post of the director of the PZPN. Cetnarowski was a personality known not only in Poland, but also in other countries. It was due to his efforts that in September 1923, Cracovia toured Spain, drawing 1–1 with Barcelona and losing 0–1 to Real Madrid . In October, also thanks to Cetnarowski, Sevilla travelled to Kraków, losing 2–3 to Cracovia. Games of the first championships started on 3 April 1927. All major teams (except for Cracovia) took part in it. This

7566-451: The quality of the Ekstraklasa and raise the level of competitiveness. The 2000s also saw the emergence of notable players who left a lasting impact on the league and, in some cases, went on to have successful careers in international football. While the 2000s brought positive developments for Polish football, there were also challenges, including financial struggles for some clubs and occasional incidents of fan violence. These issues highlighted

7663-488: The quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup during the 1990-91 season, showcasing the club's resilience on the European stage. The latter part of the decade saw a shift in the balance of power within the Ekstraklasa. Clubs like GKS Katowice, Widzew Łódź, and Wisła Kraków emerged as strong contenders for the league title. Wisła Kraków, in particular, had a successful run in the late 1990s, securing back-to-back Ekstraklasa championships in

7760-464: The rise of new contenders like Widzew Łódź, and the resurgence of Legia Warsaw. Additionally, the international achievements of the Polish national team added to the prestige of the Ekstraklasa during this period. The 1980s were a tumultuous and challenging period for the Ekstraklasa. The decade was marked by political unrest, economic difficulties, and a decline in the overall performance of Polish football on both domestic and international fronts. One of

7857-511: The season to a total of 296 matches played. The 2021–22 season started with 18 teams, instead of 16. Clubs as of the 2024–25 season. ° Abandoned due to the preparations of the Poland national team to participate in the 1924 Olympic Football Tournament. °° Abandoned due to the outbreak of World War II . On 31 August 1939 Ruch Chorzów was the leader. °°° In 1951, the Polish Football Association decided to give

7954-423: The stadium's promenade allows for effective and multi-colored lighting of the outer parts of the stands and the roof structure. The stadium has four entrances, two on Łazienkowska Street and two on Kanał Piaseczyński. They lead to the promenade , from which the fans may access the stands. The promenade is located approximately 6 meters above street level. The promenade includes catering facilities and toilets. It

8051-459: The stadium. The stadium's lighting system is divided into several separate sections: lighting of the space under the grandstands, promenade illumination , spectator's stand lighting, and finally illumination of the pitch itself. The illumination of the pitch is 2000 lux (power 516 kW), which enables the transmission of matches in the HD technology . The illumination system located in front of

8148-409: The steel elements of the roof structure in the north-west and south-east corners of the stadium. The screens are 5.4 m wide and 9.4 m high. Each of them weighs 7 tones. The entrance gates are equipped with SKIDATA Vario Gate reader. The stadium is one of the few arenas in the world to use this type of readers. The biggest advantage of this device is the ability to control various types of tickets (e.g.

8245-564: The table, as of 31 August 1939: As a result of the Second World War, the borders of Poland changed significantly. Lwów , one of the centers of Polish football (with such teams as Pogoń Lwów , Czarni Lwów and Lechia Lwów ) was annexed by Soviet Union and all these teams ceased to exist. Lwów's football officials and players moved westwards, creating such clubs as Polonia Bytom , Odra Opole and Pogoń Szczecin (see: Recovered Territories ). Another important center, Wilno (with

8342-658: The team Śmigły Wilno ), was also annexed by the Soviets (see: Polish areas annexed by the Soviet Union ). In exchange, Poland gained a large swath of formerly German territory in particular in Silesia, with its capital Wrocław (home of double champion Śląsk Wrocław ) and towns such as Zabrze (home of 14-times champion Górnik Zabrze ), Bytom (home of champions Polonia Bytom and Szombierki Bytom ) and Lubin (home of double champion Zagłębie Lubin ). 18 teams played in

8439-435: The teams that once participated in the Ekstraklasa. Data from the 1927 – 2022–23 seasons. Source: Tabela wszech czasów 90minut.pl From 1927 to 2024 a total of 83 teams contested in the Ekstraklasa. Bold - indicates teams currently playing in the Ekstraklasa 2024–25 season . 1. An equal number of points on the basis of their goal difference, then greater number of goals scored. 2. In seasons 1927 – 1994–95 for

8536-521: The top division in the 2024–25 season. The following table lists the league champions by the Polish voivodeship regions (current, valid since 1999). The following table lists the league champions by city . After winning a Polish championship titles, a representative star is placed above the team's badge to indicate achieving the feat. The current (as of May 2024) officially sanctioned championship stars are: The all-time league table consists of all

8633-422: The traditional paper cards, magnetic cards, as well as MMS tickets in mobile phones.) The reader has a color screen, which may display messages to fans entering the venue. The same equipment is being installed in the parking lot, allowing the fans to move around the stadium with only one card. The club also plans to introduce a non-cash payment system, which will accelerate the speed of making various purchases around

8730-418: The “new” Żyleta means the whole northern stand of stadium (located behind the goal). Capacity of the stand is 7,477 spectators. Kazimierz Deyna monument is a statue dedicated to one of the most famous Legia players in the club history. The monument is located just in front of the entrance to the Żyleta stand in the north-east corner of the stadium. An official committee was founded by fans and people related to

8827-462: Was Garbarnia Kraków that was celebrating the championship. Two weeks later, in mid-December, PZPN's officials changed the result of the Warta – Klub Turystow Łódź game. Originally, Warta lost 1–2, but due to walkover (it was decided that one of Łódź's players did not have all necessary documents), this was changed to 3–0 in favor of Poznań's side. As a result of the decision, Warta (with 33 points) became

8924-458: Was completed and taken over by the investor on 10 May 2010. The stadium was officially opened (with only three stands completed) by a match against Arsenal F.C. on 7 August 2010. The second stage of construction, which provided for the demolition and construction of the eastern stand (the main stand – so-called "Kryta") was completed and taken over by the investor on 10 May 2011. The most recent reconstruction, November 2008 to March 2011, involved

9021-485: Was not included in the table play-off for the right to play in the league between teams of different class divisions. 4. Included matches with unfinished 1939 season . Includes penalties imposed by the Football Association: With the following mergers and acquisitions teams: Despite match-fixing becoming punishable by law in mid-2003, several clubs were still involved in the process in

9118-478: Was not willing to sell the property. The deadlock existed for the next 5 years, during which time the Koreans sold the club. Eventually, the sale went through on 29 July 2002, when the City of Warsaw acquired the title to the land. Although the market value was estimated at 60 million PLN, the purchase price was agreed at 16 million PLN. In October 2004, Warsaw's chief architect Michał Borowski gave permission to build

9215-702: Was ranked third in the European Footballer of the Year list, behind Dutch great Johan Cruyff and West Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer . He died in a car accident in San Diego , California , aged just 41 in September 1989. In the past, the old Legia Stadium was used many times as a venue for the Poland national football team , especially during the 1930s and 1990s. Since the reconstruction,

9312-406: Was second and Legia Warsaw third. This was also the last year of 1.FC's glory. The team finished fifth, to be relegated forever at the end of 1929 season. In 1929, another team (after Cracovia, Pogon Lwów and Wisła) was added to the list of champions of Poland. This time it was Warta Poznań , which finished one point ahead of Garbarnia Kraków . However, after the last game, on 1 December 1929, it

9409-467: Was the leader of the 10-team League. Last games of this summer occurred on 20 August. Then, a break was planned, because the National Team was going to play a few international friendlies. Games were to be re-introduced on 10 September. This is the list of the ten teams that participated in last, historic games for championships of interwar Poland. Teams are presented according to their position on

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