Date added: 2025-07-29
A New Sports and Events Arena to Be Built on the Campus of Gdańsk University of Technology
On Monday, 21 July, a letter of intent regarding the construction of a modern sports and events facility was signed at the Academic Sports Centre of Gdańsk University of Technology. The document was signed by Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of Gdańsk University of Technology, and Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk. During the event, the winning entries from the competition for the architectural and urban design concept of the arena were also presented.
The new arena is intended to serve the students of Gdańsk University of Technology, residents of Gdańsk, and local sports clubs, many of which currently lack access to appropriately sized facilities. At present, available venues range in capacity from around 800 to up to 11,500 spectators.
“The construction of a modern arena is an opportunity to create space that will benefit both our students and the residents of Gdańsk,” stated Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of Gdańsk Tech. “This facility will host daily training sessions, sports competitions, and events, as well as serve as a space for community integration and active recreation. We aim to place even greater emphasis on promoting sport among students and residents of Gdańsk, across all age groups. We also aspire to host a greater number of international sporting events. The nearest such occasion will be in 2027, when Gdańsk University of Technology will host the European Universities 3x3 Basketball Championship.”
The facility will be constructed on currently undeveloped land at the Academic Sports Centre. The arena will accommodate over 2,000 spectators and, thanks to extensive amenities—including a gym, fitness room, sauna, wellness treatment rooms, and conference facilities—it will function not only as a venue for sporting events but also as a training base for local indoor sports teams.
“The residents of Pomerania are exceptional, and the university’s openness to collaboration with the city is truly unique,” said Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk. “I am grateful that you recognize the need for an arena that will support not only academic sport, but also community sport. The location is excellently connected, with nearby bus, tram, and urban rail (SKM) stops. The next step is to translate this concept into a concrete project and financing plan. We will support this initiative. Equally important is the backing of the sports community, which is in great need of such a facility.”
The arena will also feature dual-purpose infrastructure, including a shelter located in the basement, intended to ensure the safety of Wrzeszcz residents in emergency situations, and a power storage facility, capable of collecting surplus electricity generated by photovoltaic panels. The stored energy could be used, for example, to power emergency lighting, ventilation systems, or backup heating.
The following guests also spoke during the event:
Jacek Karnowski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy:
“I am very pleased to see Gdańsk’s universities investing in sport. This is truly important. I fully support this remarkable project and hope that government funding can also contribute.”
Mariusz Miler, Chancellor of Gdańsk University of Technology:
“The arena’s construction aligns with the university’s strategic development goals, including the promotion of sports among students and staff. It also supports the broader initiative of opening the campus to the citizens of Gdańsk. In the future, the facility is expected to host not only sports competitions but also music and cultural events, conferences, trade fairs, symposia, and congresses. Its multifunctionality will make it a valuable asset for the local community.”
Krzysztof Kaszuba, Director of the Academic Sports Centre at Gdańsk University of Technology:
“The new arena will offer comfort to both athletes and spectators. It will primarily serve team sports such as basketball, handball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, and floorball. Part of the stands will be retractable, allowing for up to three full-size basketball courts to be used simultaneously, depending on the needs. The facility will also include a gym, fitness room, and wellness areas. A key feature will be a modern climbing wall, large enough to host official competitions in this discipline.”
Prof. Lucyna Nyka, Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk University of Technology:
“The submissions we received for the design competition revealed the tremendous potential of this site, which connects various forms of activity across Gdańsk. It will not only support high-level sport, but also activate the academic and broader urban communities. The competition entries showed that not only the arena itself has substantial utility value— the surrounding space can also be developed beautifully, with green areas, plazas, and public gathering places for the residents of Gdańsk.”
The winning entries from the architectural and urban design competition, along with the conceptual plan, are available below. These proposals will influence the development of the final version of the new sports and events arena.
The winning entries from the architectural and urban design competition