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As the proud home of HNK Rijeka, this modern stadium has become more than just a venue; it symbolizes the club’s rich history and aspirations for the future. Since its opening, Stadion Rujevica has not only transformed the matchday experience for fans but also significantly contributed to Rijeka’s cultural and sporting landscape.
In this article, we delve into the story behind Stadion Rujevica—from its groundbreaking design and development to its impact on the local community and its role in shaping HNK Rijeka’s journey through the world of football. Join us as we explore the features that make Stadion Rujevica a standout venue in Croatian sports and a cherished landmark.
From remarkable moments to curiosities about the new stadium, we will cover different aspects of this Croatian jewel and its legacy in football. Make sure to pay attention to each item, and you’ll become an expert on the matter. Here’s everything about HNK Rijeka Stadium:
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Location of HNK Rijeka
HNK Rijeka is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the region and is located in a city with the same name. The city of Rijeka is one of the most beautiful in all of Croatia and is home to some fascinating views along its territory. From beaches to crowded urban areas, you can find everything you need for an unforgettable time, whether you’re looking for a place to spend your vacations or just want to visit the stadium.
The privileged location is also one of the reasons why the arena is perfect for all kinds of events, including home games, international competitions, and many other types of events. Near a four-star hotel and some of the city’s most important points, the stadium keeps attracting people from all over the world to see its beauty. Even though its structure is way simpler than other arenas from the city, don’t get fooled by it. The construction holds a deep history and was the stage for some of the most important matches in the country’s history.
Curiosities and Facts About the Stadium
Now, we will cover some of the most iconic facts and events that happened in the home of one of Croatia’s most famous clubs. Make sure to pay attention to each item to become an expert on the matter, whether you’re planning on visiting the arena or you’re just a football enthusiast wanting to learn more about this building.
From significant events to its contribution to Croatian football history, we will cover different aspects of this iconic venue. Here’s what you need to know:
Construction Cost and Size
As we mentioned, this particular arena is far from being the country’s most expensive or technologically advanced one. However, it plays a vital role in the football community and should definitely not be overlooked, especially when considering the government’s future plans for this important monument to the city of Rijeka.
The project has a field that measures 105 x 66 meters with a grass surface. Along with that, the stadium also features a running track around the pitch that athletes use for training and athletic competitions.
These structures and the entire facility cost several million euros, even with the simpler structure compared to its near brothers like Poljud and Maksimir. The project had an investment fund of approximately 100 million euros for the entire arena, mainly because of the place where it was built and the safety standards necessary due to that choice.
Multiple Names
Even though most people know it as HNK Rijeka Stadium because of the city and the team it represents, the stadium actually has another very popular name, especially among football fans. You can also find people and articles referring to it as Kantrida Stadium or “Stadion Kantrida” in the original language.
The name Kantrida comes from the neighborhood where the arena is located. They still preserve both names and use them on different occasions and commercial elements, so either option is correct. Even though it is mainly the home stadium to NK Rijeka, it also works sporadically as the official training stadium for the Croatian league, showing how important it is for the country.
The new complex said to be constructed might also keep one of the original names. Most people refer to it as the new Kantrida Stadium, but that’s not confirmed, and we might have a completely new name once the construction process is completed.
New Stadium Projects
Speaking of the new stadium, there’s a confirmed project to build an entirely new arena to substitute HNK Rijeka, not only as the main sports construction of the city when it comes to sports but also as the home to HNK Rijeka.
Many aspects and details are being discussed and analyzed to ensure the best results, including the rising sea levels of the region and the position of the emphasised bow shape. The construction base is said to be facing north-south, which is different from the previously proposed location in the opposite direction.
In addition, the stadium is expected to feature the best football technology in every aspect of its structure, both inside and outside the field. From the gym to the chairs and stands, everything will be thought out to deliver the best experience possible for players and visitors from all over the world.
With this, you can also expect many more games from the Croatia football team happening in the region, without the problems from the steep cliffs and eventual lack of specific features of the old stadium.
Another solvable technical problem with the old stadium was finding ways to generate profit and increase the arena’s income, and with the new project, the owners had a very clever idea for that. Along with the arena itself, the facility will also include three skyscrapers that will be used for multiple purposes, whether for players and visitors to live and stay or for companies to set up their businesses.
It is a promising project and I can’t wait to see the final results of it. The entire operation is expected to start very soon, and it won’t take too long until we see the old quarry giving place to a new stadium to shine.
Iconic Events
Since the stadium plays such an essential role in the Croatian football scene, it is no surprise that it also hosted some iconic matches throughout its existence.
Games from the classic Champions League have already happened in the stadium multiple times, whether as the home of one of the competitors or just the selected venue for the event to happen. Along with that, when it comes to football, other remarkable competitions that happened in Rijeka Stadium are the famous Europa League, Croatian Supercup, and UEFA Cup. The tradition of hosting these big events began in 1976, when the stadium was in its first days, and will continue until the very last day before the new arena is done building.
If you think the arena is only restricted to football, you’re completely wrong. The club has already hosted some very interesting events, making it a very versatile ground for all kinds of needs.
One of the most particular things about this specific venue is that it was already the main stage for one of the scenes of The Legacy Run. The operation happened in 2016, and now the arena is registered forever in the sports and entertainment world.
Kantrida Stadium x Rujevica Stadium
The region of Rijeka is home to two famous stadiums, and the competition between them is a tradition that has lasted for years. This is no surprise, especially considering both arenas were already considered home for HNK Rijeka.
They are the two main venues for football, other sports, and other kinds of events. Both are similar in terms of structure and are near each other, so if you’re visiting Croatia, you can easily visit both arenas on the same day.
It’s a true paradise for football lovers. If you have the opportunity to visit the country, the two venues are a must-go.
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