New Maksimir Stadium design to get changes after public reaction

The winning design which was presented on Thursday (Photo: Grad Zagreb)

ZAGREB, 25 September 2026 – The winning design for Zagreb’s new Maksimir Stadium will undergo several changes following the public reaction to the first presentation, Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban has confirmed.

Boban, who took part in the jury that selected the winning proposal from 88 entries submitted from more than 20 countries, said the version presented publicly was not the final design.

Speaking to Večernji list journalist Robert Junaci, Boban said several elements would be modified during the next stage of development, while the main architectural concept would remain.

One of the most discussed features has been the open space between sections of the stands. Boban said these openings would be reduced but would not be completely closed.

“The corners will be more closed. This is the first conceptual idea which will be developed further, but the general image will remain,” he said.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

He also confirmed that the stadium would receive its blue colour, although this would likely be used primarily during matches.

The reaction to the initial visualisations has been largely negative, with some supporters expressing disappointment with the appearance of the proposed stadium.

Boban said the public should wait for the final version before reaching conclusions, pointing to other major architectural projects that initially faced criticism.

He also argued that the winning proposal offered a balance between design, comfort and the available financial framework.

According to Boban, alternative proposals submitted to the competition would have required substantially higher investment.

The new Maksimir is planned to have approximately 35,000 fully covered seats and meet UEFA Category 4 requirements.

The winning proposal was produced by VG13 Architects Studio Associato, based in Milan, and was selected from 88 entries.

The jury’s comments already included a number of elements earmarked for further development, meaning some of the planned changes were part of the process before the design was publicly presented.

The issue of the open sections has also prompted questions about weather conditions and spectator comfort. Boban said the openings would remain part of the concept but argued that they would not make the stadium significantly colder.

He also pointed to potential benefits of ventilation and airflow during warmer weather.

The next phase will therefore focus on refining the winning concept rather than replacing it entirely.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

The basic architectural idea is expected to remain, while the corners, openings and other details are adjusted as the project moves towards its final form.

The new stadium is intended to replace the existing Maksimir ground and provide a modern football venue for Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian capital.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

The final appearance of the stadium will become clearer as the architectural project progresses.