After thrilling playoffs, Podhale Nowy Targ secured a historic promotion to the Betclic 2nd League. This is a major achievement for both the club and the local community. However, the joy of promotion comes with new challenges, primarily the need to upgrade the stadium to meet licensing requirements.

Last major modernization 12 years ago

The Municipal Stadium in Nowy Targ underwent its last significant upgrade in 2013. Thanks to funding from the Małopolska Regional Operational Program under the project Expansion and Modernization of Sports Facilities, the stadium received a FIFA-certified artificial turf pitch. The stand was partially roofed and now offers 802 seats plus 100 standing places for away fans. The stadium is equipped with surveillance cameras, lighting, and professional sound systems. Adjacent to the pitch is a social and changing facility with a gym and recovery zone. The venue also serves athletics purposes, featuring a 400-meter, four-lane track, a six-lane 100-meter sprint track, long jump, high jump, and triple jump pits, as well as throwing areas for discus, hammer, javelin, and shot put. It serves local sports enthusiasts daily.

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© Stadion Nowy Targ

Preparations for the 2nd league begin

Following promotion, Podhale received a conditional license from the Polish Football Association (PZPN) under infrastructure supervision. The stadium must comply with all requirements by July 26. Necessary works include upgrades to the fence separating stands from the pitch, expansion of the surveillance system, renovation of players’, referees’, and stretcher-bearers’ boxes, and preparation of suitable spaces for disabled fans and journalists (including internet and power access). The changing rooms will be modernized with additional showers and lockers. In the coming weeks, the old scoreboard will be replaced by a modern LED screen.

Some works deferred

Lighting remains an issue, as the stadium of Podhale Nowy Targ currently falls short of the PZPN-required minimum of 900 lux—critical for televised Betclic 2nd League matches on TVP. According to Jędrzej Furca, Director of the Municipal Sports and Recreation Center, the city lacks funds for this costly upgrade, estimated at up to 2.5 million PLN. However, this project will be included in next year’s city budget, with modernization planned for early 2026 or during the 2026/2027 season.

Further changes are planned: in the first quarter of 2026, the city aims to increase seating capacity to 900, including 250 covered seats. This will be achieved by purchasing a mobile stand, estimated to cost around 500,000 PLN.