Municipal Stadium named after Marshal Józef Piłsudski in Bydgoszcz

The Municipal Stadium named after Marshal Józef Piłsudski in Bydgoszcz, opened in 1924, is a football and speedway venue that has undergone numerous modernizations over the years. Its decorated stands can accommodate 13,500 spectators, and the infrastructure includes a 348-meter-long speedway track and a 105 × 68-meter football pitch with natural grass. The stadium is surrounded by the sports complex of Kazimierz Wielki University, which includes a sports hall, a swimming pool, and training fields. The history of the stadium dates back to the 1920s, when the Committee for Physical Education was established in response to the need to develop sports in Bydgoszcz. The opening ceremony was honored by a gathering of the "Sokół" gymnastic society, and initially, the stadium primarily hosted football and athletics competitions. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, it also began to host speedway races. Financial support for its construction and modernization was provided by the city authorities, the military, and private companies. During World War II, the stadium was used by the occupying forces for organized sports events. After the war, it frequently changed its functions, becoming the main sports venue for various disciplines. From the 1960s to the present day, the speedway track has become the highlight of the stadium, with Polonia Bydgoszcz achieving many successes in this discipline. The venue has also hosted numerous international and national competitions and witnessed many memorable moments, such as the first ice speedway event in Poland and thrilling football matches. Throughout its history, the stadium has not only been a place for sports competitions but also a social and cultural hub of Bydgoszcz, attracting crowds of fans. Notable events, such as the 1934 match between the Pomeranian regional team and East Prussia, considered the greatest football spectacle in Pomerania during the pre-war period, highlight the stadium's significance in local sports culture. In 2016, the stadium regained its pre-war name, thanks to the efforts of fans and local associations, reaffirming its historical identity. Today, the stadium awaits further modernization to meet contemporary standards and the needs of fans, underscoring its dynamic evolution over nearly a century of existence.