Vukovar to build €14 million stadium with public donation campaign

(Photo credit: Arhitektonski ured ArkkiDam/Grad Vukovar)

A new modern stadium is set to be built in Vukovar, eastern Croatia, with a total capacity of 4,788 covered seats and an estimated investment value of over €14 million. The facility will be named “Stadion 12 hrvatskih redarstvenika”, in honour of 12 Ministry of the Interior police officers killed in 1991 by Serbian rebels in Borovo Selo.

The project will be located in Borovo Naselje on the site of the existing stadium used by HNK Vukovar 1991, and is designed to meet UEFA and FIFA standards.

Donor campaign “I ti si Vukovar” launched

The official donor campaign titled “I ti si Vukovar” (“You are Vukovar too”) was presented in Zagreb, alongside the conceptual design of the new stadium.

The project is supported by the Government of Croatia, the City of Vukovar, as well as private citizens and companies who are invited to contribute financially to its construction.

Donors will be able to leave a permanent mark on the stadium. Depending on their chosen donation package, contributions will be acknowledged on a donor wall, while names may also be engraved on seats inside the stadium.

Vukovar Mayor Marijan Pavliček said the stadium forms part of a wider vision for the city’s development and sporting infrastructure.

He highlighted that Vukovar currently has six active football clubs and emphasised the importance of providing improved conditions for youth development and football training. He also noted the stadium’s potential to host various events and public gatherings beyond sport.

According to the city, the project aims to establish a new landmark for Vukovar and a symbolic venue for both residents and visitors.

The initiative has received backing from the Croatian Football Federation, while the campaign has also been supported by former Croatian international players, including Gordon Schildenfeld and Josip “Joe” Šimunić.

(Photo credit: Arhitektonski ured ArkkiDam/Grad Vukovar)

Schildenfeld stated that the stadium represents an important investment not only in sport, but also in the local community, particularly for youth development and football participation.

Šimunić added that quality stadium infrastructure can have a significant impact on player motivation and development, expressing hope that future Croatian internationals will emerge from Vukovar.

Modern facility designed for multi-purpose use

The stadium’s conceptual design has been developed by Croatian architectural studio ArkkiDam. The facility is planned as a multi-purpose venue, capable of hosting sporting events as well as cultural and community activities.

(Photo credit: Arhitektonski ured ArkkiDam/Grad Vukovar)

In addition to 4,788 covered seats, the stadium will include modern auxiliary facilities, safety systems, and infrastructure required for higher-level competition standards.

Officials estimate the total construction cost will exceed €14 million.

(Photo credit: Arhitektonski ured ArkkiDam/Grad Vukovar)

The stadium name commemorates 12 members of the Croatian Ministry of the Interior who were killed in 1991 in Borovo Selo. The naming reflects the memorial dimension of the project alongside its sporting and civic functions.