Following a landmark agreement between the City of Zagreb and the Croatian Government, we are officially launching the urban-architectural competition for the new Maksimir Stadium and Svetice Sports Centre. This €224 million joint investment aims to replace aging infrastructure with a world-class, integrated sports precinct. We invite visionary designs for a 35,000-seat stadium and a 'City of Sport' that honours the site’s historic character while meeting 21st-century athletic needs.
Photo: Ivan Klindić
20/03 2026.
Competition Launch
21/04 2026.
Deadline for Submitting Questions
24/06 2026.
Competition Entry Submission via EOJN RH
9/07 2026.
Model Submission outside EOJN RH
The competition is conducted in a single stage as an open, urban-architectural ideas and project competition. The ideas competition encompasses the Svetice Sports Centre and Borongaj Transit Hub (zones A+D) to explore spatial approaches without the commissioning of services. The project competition focuses on the Maksimir Football Stadium Complex (zone C) specifically for the purpose of commissioning design services.
Objective of the Competition
The objective is to select the best architectural and urban design for the Maksimir Stadium Complex, Svetice Sports Centre, and Borongaj Transit Hub that fulfills the Contracting Authority’s requirements and evaluation criteria.
Prize Fund
The prize fund shall be distributed into five (5) prizes in the following amounts:
1st Prize
EUR (gross) 390,400.00
estimated net: EUR 291,200.21
2nd Prize
EUR (gross) 244,000.00
estimated net: EUR 182,000.13
3rd Prize
EUR (gross) 146,400.00
estimated net: EUR 109,200.08
4th Prize
EUR (gross) 117,120.00
estimated net: EUR 87,360.06
5th Prize
EUR (gross) 78,080.00
estimated net: EUR 58,240.04
Located in eastern Zagreb, the historic Svetice-Maksimir district has thrived as a sporting heartbeat since the late 19th century. At its core stands the iconic Maksimir Stadium, a true landmark of Croatian sports architecture. As a site celebrated for its architectural innovation, any new development must thoughtfully harmonize with the lush landscape and ecological heritage of the adjacent protected Maksimir Park.
More Than A Stadium
Zagreb is a city of sport, home to numerous clubs with long-standing traditions and internationally recognized achievements. However, the city’s sports infrastructure has yet to fully reflect this level of excellence. This disparity is particularly evident in our football stadiums which remain inadequate despite the remarkable success of our local and national teams.
The architectural competition for Maksimir Stadium and Svetice Sports Centre is the most significant and extensive undertaking in Zagreb in recent decades. Our aim is to reshape this symbolically and historically powerful site, which is deeply rooted in the identity of Zagreb and Croatian football. Although the original stadium complex was conceptually powerful, decades of additions and partial renovations have substantially compromised its architectural integrity.
Our vision extends beyond the mere construction of new facilities. This area is more than just a hub for sport and recreation; it is a symbolic urban landmark and a defining feature of Zagreb’s identity - the eastern gateway to the city center, situated along one of our most vital urban avenues. Such a location demands thoughtful spatial articulation, architectural excellence, and long-term responsible management.
We envision this site as a multifaceted social and spatial “City of Sport” - an open and inclusive environment for professional athletes, recreational users, fans, and all our fellow citizens. We invite you to contribute to this new chapter of Zagreb’s sports infrastructure and to become a part of its future development.
