Sports
Maksimir Stadium stands not just as a venue for football matches but as a revered symbol of the nation’s sporting heritage. Since its inauguration in 1912, this iconic stadium has witnessed countless historic moments, from thrilling victories to poignant defeats, shaping the narratives of Croatian football. Beyond its sporting significance, Maksimir Stadium holds a place in the hearts of locals as a cultural landmark, undergoing transformations that reflect its storied past and future aspirations.
Here we will cover some of the main aspects of this iconic arena that holds a special place in all football fans, not only for Croatians but for the entire European community. Make sure to pay attention to each aspect below to become an expert on the matter and see what makes Stadion Maksimir different from the others.
Here’s what you need to know about this iconic venue and its importance in football history:
Table of Contents
Location and Construction of Maksimir Stadium
Located right in the center of one of the most popular regions of Croatia, Stadium Maksimir has a privileged spot right next to some of the most sought-after tourist attractions in the city. This makes it even better for visiting fans who want a good experience without moving from one place to another.
The stadium is also located next to Maksimir Park, creating a contrast between the region’s urban area and the natural formations and waters of this incredible spot. All of this together produces one of the best views and looks you can find in all of Europe regarding sports arenas.
This Croatian marvel was built over a century ago, in 1912. It is one of the oldest football stadiums on the entire continent. It was and still is a symbol of passion and pride for the whole city of Zagreb, where it’s located.
Stadion Maksimir has a field size of 105 x 68 meters and four stands to accommodate almost 26,000 visitors, from the old northern stand to the southern stands right next to the goal and athletic track. It is a phenomenal building capable of hosting all kinds of events.
Curiosities and Secrets About Stadium Maksimir
Now it’s time to see some of the main hidden details and historical facts that make this arena so loved by all Europeans and praised by Croatians. Make sure to take a look at each one of the items below to become an expert on this venue.
Maksimir represents the country’s passion for football since the day it officially opened and still represents it in every event taking place on its ground. Here’s everything about this stadium and its history:
Dinamo Zagreb Riot
If you don’t know, Stadium Maksimir is home to Dinamo Zagreb, one of the leading Croatian teams ever. However, in 1990, a historical clash between Dinamo fans, also called Bad Blue Boys, and Red Star fans took over the stadium. The conflict involved a series of motivations behind it, especially political ones.
It started in the stadium, but it was far from the only place where the two teams would fight. It happened a few weeks after the first multi-party elections in years.
The tension between the two teams has always been high, mainly because both were part of the Yugoslav First League before Croatia’s independence. Whether it was a kick-off match for a competition or a friendly game, the nerves and tension were always high between the two crowds, often resulting in this kind of incident, but nothing would compare to the fights of 1990.
Renovation Processes
As expected from a stadium with over a century of existence, it underwent multiple renovation processes throughout its history. From minor changes to the structure to the complete reformation of different parts of the field, numerous alterations were made in this arena.
The first major renovation happened in 1948, in a post-World War II scenario. After all the damage was done and the new needs of the population were met, the stadium received new stands and a complete upgrade to the structure.
Additionally, significant changes were also made in 1998 and 2011, with expectations of a complete rebuild of the arena in 2025, updating its technology and making it one of the most advanced arenas in the continent.
One of the main characteristics that changed over time is the capacity and number of seats in this stadium, with numerous changes done to the stands and their structure. Here’s the current capacity of each one:
- North Stand (up): 4,510
- North Stand (down): 4,950
- North Stand (VIP): 300
- Western Stand (up): 5,101
- West Stand (down): 6,369
- Western Stand (VIP): 748
- East Stand: 9,514
- South Stand: 3,931
Important Matches and Events
The arena has hosted important events and matches throughout its history, from sports to numerous other categories. The stadium has already staged dozens of qualification games for the FIFA World Cup, including editions from 1990, 2008, 2012, and many others. It also hosted games from the most famous competitions worldwide, including the Champions League, European Cup, and many others.
But football is not the only thing you’ll find taking place on its grounds. Maksimir Stadium also hosted competitions on athletics and other sports throughout its century of existence.
Beyond sports, this venue also received some of the most prestigious artists in the music industry for presentations. Some of the most famous ones include the legendary David Bowie, Bon Jovi, and many others.
This shows how versatile this arena can be, and after each reformation, the experience only got better. New seats, extra standing places, and everything else are projected to provide the best time possible for visitors and fans attending the events. The renovation expected in 2025 will make you feel like stepping into a new stadium once it’s completed.
2020 Earthquake
We know that 100 years is a lot of time, and the stadium must have been through a lot, but did you know that it had survived even an earthquake? In 2020, an earthquake hit Croatia, causing damage to part of the arena’s structure. One of the stands was temporarily closed, reducing its total capacity.
Both the western and the north-eastern parts of the seats were damaged and went through a renovation to receive visitors once again. The total impact of the earthquake wasn’t that big, and most of the stadium survived without any damage or problems.
The building stands as a monument and symbol of strength to the entire population, surviving natural and unnatural disasters. That’s why it stands as one of the most essential parts of the whole country.
Building a New Stadium
Maksimir and the government of Croatia have been through a lot lately when it comes to the decision to renovate or completely rebuild the arena. For some years, there has been a plan to move Dinamo Zagreb to a different location temporarily while they demolish and build a completely new stadium in the same place, with a different name and structure. In parallel, they also want to do a major renovation on Poljud, another significant city venue.
This discussion of what to do with the two biggest sports arenas of the country apparently finally came to an end in December 2023, when the Zagreb Archdiocese, along with Mayor Tomašević decided to accept the idea and start planning on a new stadium to be constructed. It is expected to see major changes in the future of Croatia’s football and promising arenas with top-notch technology and bold architecture.
You Can Make Your Birthday at the Stadium
Even though the stadium doesn’t offer a guided tour or similar service, you can celebrate your birthday at the stadium with your friends and family. This option costs 350 euros and includes tons of benefits, including a visit to the field, a tour of some of the stadium rooms, and many others.
It is one of the best experiences for football fans and will surely give you an unforgettable memory. You can get to know every detail of this formidable arena, and if you’re lucky enough, you can meet some football legends and see them training on the field.You can see the complete document talking about the birthday options. There, you’ll find information regarding prices, activities, and many other aspects.
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