Maksimir Stadium: Milan studio wins design competition for new Zagreb arena

The winning design for the new Maksimir stadium and Svetice Sports and Recreation Center in Zagreb has been announced. The international architectural competition, which received 88 entries from over 20 countries, was won by the Milan-based studio VG13 Architects Studio Associato, led by architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi.

The proposed project features a 35,000-seat stadium designed with large horizontal and inclined planes, intended to integrate with the surrounding urban space. The total project cost, including the stadium, training fields, and parking, is estimated at approximately 205 million euros, to be funded equally by the Croatian government and the City of Zagreb. Construction of the new stadium is slated to begin in 2029, following the demolition of the current structure in 2027.

The announcement has met with mixed reactions. While Dinamo Zagreb president Zvonimir Boban praised the design as a “futuristic Maksimir” that respects the club's identity, a segment of the public has expressed dissatisfaction. A petition has been launched calling for a reconsideration of the selection, citing concerns over the design's aesthetic and functionality. Additionally, social media discussions have included satirical commentary regarding the structure's appearance.