Stadion Sandecji – construction description

Construction of a new stadium in Nowy Sącz was expected to begin back in 2017, when Sandecja won promotion to the Ekstraklasa. A venue for 8,000 to 10,000 people was envisioned by the then-mayor Ryszard Nowak but his vision quickly proved impossible to carry out, especially in such optimistic time frame.

The concept’s price tag quickly grew from PLN 20 million to 50, then to over 100 million, more than the city was able to finance. That’s why new mayor Lubomir Handzel commissioned a scaled down plan to only meet minimum Ekstraklasa minimum of 4,500 seats, including under-soil heating and modern facilities. But spaces behind goals were to be left for further expansion to the desired 8,000+.

After several delays the design+build contract was signed in mid-2021. Grupa Blackbird, a joint venture of engineering and construction companies, promised to deliver the initial stadium for PLN 50.7 million, under budget. Work began immediately with the demolition of the north stand and creation of a new playing field. Work is phased to enable constant use of the stadium.