by croatiaweek
July 23, 2025
in
(Photo: Grad Split)
23 July 2025 – Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has announced today that a new commission will be formed next week to address the restoration and future development of the Poljud stadium in Split.
This follows significant storm damage that occurred during recent severe weather.
During his visit to Split, Plenković, accompanied by local officials including Split Mayor Tomislav Šuta and Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban, toured the iconic stadium to assess the extent of the damage.
The storm, which hit the city two weeks ago, caused serious structural issues – most notably to the stadium’s roof.
In response, the government has allocated two million euros for immediate repair work. Restoration efforts are already underway, with local authorities and Hajduk Split working closely to ensure the damage is quickly and safely addressed.
Poljud, originally built for the 1979 Mediterranean Games, is more than a sporting venue. As Plenković emphasised during his visit, it is an architectural landmark and an important symbol of Split and Dalmatia. He noted that both Poljud and Zagreb’s Maksimir stadium have been recognised as sports facilities of national importance.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the newly established commission – comprising representatives from the government, the City of Split and technical experts – will assess the current condition of the stadium, outline renovation needs and determine the required funding.
The aim is to create a long-term solution for both football and other sports in the city.
The visit also included a briefing from Hajduk’s president, Ivan Bilić, who provided an update on ongoing repair work and plans to enhance spectator safety. Mayor Šuta expressed gratitude to the government for its swift response and support.
(Photo: Grad Split)
Hajduk’s new technical director, and former Croatia international, Ivan Rakitić, presented Plenković with a Hajduk jersey as a token of appreciation.