International Architecture Competition: Maksimir Stadium and Svetice Sports and Recreation Centre in Zagreb, Croatia

The City of Zagreb and the Zagreb Society of Architects (DAZ) are conducting an international architecture competition for Maksimir Stadium and Svetice Sports and Recreation Centre.

The competition was launched on March 20th 2026 following a landmark agreement between the City of Zagreb and the Croatian Government. This €224 million joint investment aims to replace aging infrastructure with a world-class, integrated sports precinct. The organisers invite visionary designs for a 35,000-seat stadium and a 'City of Sport' that honours the site’s historic character while meeting 21st-century athletic needs.

Located in eastern Zagreb, the historic Svetice-Maksimir district has thrived as a sporting heartbeat since the late 19th century. At its core stands the iconic Maksimir Stadium, a true landmark of Croatian sports architecture. As a site celebrated for its architectural innovation, any new development must thoughtfully harmonize with the lush landscape and ecological heritage of the adjacent protected Maksimir Park.

The competition is conducted in a single stage as an open, urban-architectural ideas and project competition. The ideas competition encompasses the Svetice Sports Centre and Borongaj Transit Hub (zones A+D) to explore spatial approaches without the commissioning of services. The project competition focuses on the Maksimir Football Stadium Complex (zone C) specifically for the purpose of commissioning design services.

Competition entries will be judged by an international panel of architects, including François Chas (NP2F, France), Kersten Geers (OFFICEKGDVS, Belgium), Vasa Perović (BEVK PEROVIĆ ARHITEKTI, Slovenia, Vice President of the Jury), Nenad Fabijanić (STUDIO FABIJANIĆ, Croatia), Toma Plejić (STUDIO UP, Croatia, President of the Jury), and Mia Roth-Čerina (ROTH&ČERINA ARHITEKTI, Croatia), as well as state and city officials.

The deadline for submission of questions was Tuesday, April 21st 2026. The competition entry submission via EOJN RH is no later than Friday, July 17th 2026 by 6 PM, CET. The deadline for model submission is Tuesday, July 28th 2026 by 6 PM, CET.

The competition documentation, along with all additional information, is available in English on the official website.