Lodowisko im. Braci Nikodemowiczów OSiR Bytom
Bytom, Poland
Formerly: Lodowisko przy ulicy Pułaskiego
The ground out the rebuild at ul. Kazimierza Pułaskiego 71, a site that has lived through two distinct lives. The old structure, nicknamed "Stodoła" (The Barn) by fans, was demolished after years of provisional use and deteriorating conditions that once forced closures during snowfall.
The new arena opened on June 1, 2021, replacing the roofless 1966 rink with a modern facility featuring a unique glued laminated timber roof spanning over 50 meters. The arena was renamed in June 2021 following a public contest to honour Emil and Tadeusz Nikodemowicz, legendary players and coaches instrumental in the history of Polonia Bytom. This name sits alongside the former official title, Lodowisko przy ulicy Pułaskiego, marking the shift from a civic project to a dedicated home for the Polska Hokej Liga side.
Polonia Bytom’s women’s team, the most successful in Polish history with fourteen titles, calls this place home. The venue hosted the 2023 IIHF U20 World Championship Division I B tournament in December, adding international stature to a local staple. The construction, costing approximately 42 million PLN, included eleven locker rooms and advanced ventilation, ensuring the ice remains playable regardless of the weather outside.
Unlike the open-air beginnings of 1966, the current surface is artificial, designed for durability rather than tradition. The administrative and locker room building from the original era was retained, a quiet nod to the past within the new framework. The site operates under OSiR Bytom, bridging the gap between municipal recreation and professional sport. There is no attendance record available to compare the crowds of the past against the present, but the presence of the women’s team and the international tournaments suggests a steady flow of supporters. The ground holds no secrets about its capacity beyond the standard 1,500 seats, but it offers a clear view of the action without the distractions of a larger, more commercialised venue.