New Maksimir Stadium project unveiled

Hina - A formal agreement for the demolition of the existing Maksimir Stadium and the construction of a new one was presented on Friday, with representatives from the Government, the City of Zagreb, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) and the Dinamo Football Club in attendance.

Branko Bačić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets, said that the deadline for completing the new stadium is set for late 2028 or early 2029. Mayor Tomislav Tomašević estimated the stadium's cost at €175 million.

Following the completion of the Kranjčevićeva Stadium reconstruction, scheduled for 2026, two years will be needed to demolish the existing Maksimir Stadium and construct the new one, which will have a capacity of 35,000 seats and meet UEFA and FIFA's highest standards.

"This project has been long overdue, and both the Government and the City of Zagreb stand firmly behind it. Stadiums are symbols of major cities. We have invested €2 billion in rebuilding Zagreb after the earthquake, and Maksimir Stadium is part of that restoration. When viewed as part of the city's recovery, this investment is entirely rational. We want this project to serve as a powerful architectural statement on the significance of football for Zagreb, Dinamo and Croatia. We have decided to designate both Maksimir and Poljud (in Split) as stadiums of national importance, and the Croatian people expect us to build Maksimir and renovate Poljud," said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

Bačić recalled that the project began two years ago with efforts to compensate the Archdiocese of Zagreb for the land on which the stadium stands. "That process gradually matured, and exactly one year ago, the Government signed an agreement resolving over 30 years of unresolved property rights issues. As a result, the Archdiocese received compensation for the expropriated land," Bačić explained.

The Government and the City of Zagreb will form an eight-member commission -- four representatives from each -- to oversee the project's progress until the location permit is obtained to ensure the fastest possible implementation.

"Based on an analysis of over 50 stadiums built across Europe in recent years, the joint assessment of the Government and the City is that the total reconstruction cost will be €5,000 per seat, amounting to €175 million, with expenses split equally between the Government and the City. This is a historic step forward," said Tomašević.

Deputy Mayor Luka Korlaet announced that an international tender will soon be launched, inviting world-class architects to submit their designs. Additionally, plans include a parking facility with 1,500 spaces.

"The urban-architectural project will cover a broader area of 32 hectares, extending across the entire complex, as well as a smaller section of 15 hectares. The larger area will include athletics facilities in the northwest, a swimming pool, a recreation area in the southwest and a parking garage with 1,500 spaces. The smaller section will encompass the stadium, auxiliary playing fields and an underground parking garage with 800 spaces," Korlaet specified.

HNS President Marijan Kustić expressed gratitude to the Government, City and Dinamo for finding a solution for Maksimir Stadium.

"We have built over 40 pitches across Croatia and have consistently emphasised the importance of infrastructure for Croatian football. Within the next seven to ten days, we will announce the timeline for the stadium's construction," Kustić said, adding that HNS will soon begin work on a training camp in Velika Gorica.

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