Michał Rydz, president of Widzew Łódź, has confirmed that talks are under way over the club’s potential purchase of the stadium on Piłsudskiego Avenue, which is currently owned by the City of Łódź. The move would mark the first step toward expanding the venue and increasing its capacity to 28,000–32,000 seats.

Leasing seen as too risky

Formal procedures are currently in progress, including securing permission to use and redesign the stadium’s base concept. This would enable the club to prepare a feasibility study for the expansion, expected to be ready about 10 weeks after the necessary approvals are granted. Once that is complete, Widzew will hold further talks with city authorities about how to deliver the investment.

Waiting for important decisions regarding sports infrastructure, fans often turn to alternative sources of entertainment, and one of the most popular is casino games. Check out the offer of rabona casino and enjoy a wide selection of games and a large range of bonuses, not only for new users.

Rydz explained that several options for taking over the Municipal Stadium are being examined – from setting up a special purpose vehicle together with the city to acquiring the venue independently. He emphasized that with such a major project, leasing is not a safe option. Current regulations allow a lease for a maximum of 29 years, which creates uncertainty in long-term planning.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak

The city’s view

Marta Przywara, chair of the City Council’s Sports and Recreation Committee, also commented on the issue. Speaking to Express Ilustrowany, she said that no formal steps have yet been taken, at least not beyond the mayoral level. She stressed that reaching an agreement between Widzew and city authorities would be crucial and declined to comment on the financial details of such a transaction, noting that only professional valuations by certified experts would be decisive.

© Kamila Matusiak, Widzew Łódź

How much could the stadium really cost?

Tomasz Błeszyński, a real estate market adviser, told Express Ilustrowany that the entire deal could be massive. In his view, considering the commercial potential, the price could be at least 260–300 million PLN, making it the largest transaction in Łódź. He added that the stadium alone, without adjacent plots, could be valued at around 160 million PLN.

Błeszyński underlined that the key factors influencing the value of the stadium are its location and development prospects. Its position on main city arteries, quick access to the motorway and proximity to rail and public transport make it highly attractive from an investment perspective. The stadium is operational, it’s new, and it can still be expanded with additional seating, he noted.

The adviser also warned that while selling the venue to the club could offer a path to growth, it would carry risks for the city itself. Selling such an asset to a private investor would be a significant loss for the city and its image, he stressed, adding that any final decision should take into account not only financial considerations but also the public interest and the future possibilities for expanding and commercialising the stadium and its surroundings.