Plava Noć: Bringing the spirit of Dinamo Zagreb to Cleveland

This November, Cleveland’s Croatian-American community will get a taste of Zagreb’s electric football energy. GNK Dinamo Zagreb, one of Europe’s most celebrated soccer clubs, is coming to the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake, Ohio, for a special evening called “Plava Noć – GNK Dinamo Zagreb in the USA.”

Set for Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to midnight, the event promises a night of celebration, nostalgia, and connection, a gathering for all who carry Dinamo in their hearts, whether they were born in Croatia or grew up watching matches from across the ocean.

Plava Noć in Čapljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Photo: Supplied)

“Plava Noć,” which translates to “Blue Night,” will bring together generations of Dinamo fans, club legends, and Croatian-Americans for an evening filled with live music, traditional food, and heartfelt camaraderie. It’s more than just a dinner, it’s a bridge between Zagreb and its supporters in North America.

Proceeds from the event will support Dinamo’s growing presence in the U.S., including expanding youth soccer camps across North America, scouting Croatian-American players, and hosting future “Plava Noć” events in cities throughout the country.

Several of Dinamo’s most respected figures will travel from Croatia to attend, including:

Velimir Zajec, Honorary President

Zvonimir Manenica, Member of the Management Board

Silvio Marić, Club Ambassador and former player

Marijan Pojatina, Member of the Management Board

For many lifelong fans, it’s a rare opportunity to meet the faces who helped shape the club’s storied history and continue to guide its future.

Tickets are priced at $50 for adults and $30 for children under 12, and include dinner, live entertainment, a meet-and-greet with Dinamo legends, and automatic entry into a raffle. The event’s dress code is smart casual or club attire, and complimentary parking will be available at the venue.

You can buy tickets here

Beyond the entertainment and excitement, “Plava Noć” carries a larger mission, to strengthen ties between Dinamo Zagreb and Croatian families in the U.S., nurturing the next generation of young players and fans who share a love for the club’s iconic blue colors. Silvio Marić, Club Ambassador and former player, emphasized the importance of this connection: “Our goal is not only to celebrate the club’s history but to create new opportunities for Croatian-American youth to grow within the Dinamo family.”

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses interested in supporting the event and promoting their brand within the vibrant Croatian-American community. To purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorship packages, visit gnkdinamo.us/plava-noc-cleveland or email [email protected]

Registration closes seven days before the event.

As the club looks to the future, “Plava Noć” will serve as a reminder that no matter how far fans are from Maksimir Stadium, the Dinamo spirit continues to shine bright, even in the heart of Cleveland.