Stadion Poljud

The stadium's origins are tied directly to Split's hosting of the 1979 Mediterranean Games, for which a new, purpose-built multi-sport complex was required.

Construction and opening

Designed by Boris Magaš, construction ran from 1977 to 1979 and the stadium opened in September 1979 in time for the Mediterranean Games opening ceremony. Magaš's cantilevered shell roof — spanning the stands without internal supporting columns — was a structural and aesthetic achievement that drew international acclaim. The design earned comparisons to a seashell or mussel, giving rise to the nickname Školjka. It remains one of the most celebrated works of Yugoslav modernist architecture.

Major renovations

Over the decades, the stadium has undergone a series of safety and comfort upgrades in line with evolving European standards, including the conversion of terracing to individual seating, which settled the capacity at 33,987. The distinctive shell roof and overall architectural form have been preserved throughout. Plans for a more comprehensive renovation or a new stadium for Hajduk have been discussed repeatedly but have not yet reached a definitive conclusion.

Notable moments

Poljud has been the setting for numerous HNK Hajduk Split title-winning seasons in both the Yugoslav First Football League and the Croatian Superliga. The stadium has hosted significant UEFA Cup and Champions League qualifying ties. The Croatian national team has played key qualification matches here. The ground's most charged moments remain the fixtures against GNK Dinamo Zagreb — the Vječni derbi (Eternal Derby) — one of Croatia's fiercest and most historically loaded football rivalries.

The atmosphere at Stadion Poljud is among the most intense in Croatian football and holds a distinguished reputation across Europe, largely because of one supporters' group: Torcida Split, recognised as the oldest ultras association in Europe, founded on 28 October 1950.

Fan culture

Torcida Split took their name and inspiration from Brazilian torcida culture, introducing South American-style support to European football: elaborate choreographies, flare displays, relentless chanting, and a fierce collective identity. The north stand is the traditional home of Torcida and on matchdays becomes a wall of colour and noise that has unsettled visiting teams for decades. Hajduk's supporters take deep pride in the club's Dalmatian identity — the Bili (The Whites) are seen as more than a football club, representing a cultural and regional allegiance that runs through generations.

Big matches

The Vječni derbi — the Eternal Derby against GNK Dinamo Zagreb — is Poljud at its most electric. The fixture carries historical, cultural, and political resonance stretching back to the Yugoslav era and consistently produces one of the most intense atmospheres in Balkan football. Beyond the derby, Hajduk's European campaigns in the 1970s and 1980s filled the stadium for memorable continental nights. Any sold-out fixture approaching 34,000 capacity delivers an experience that ranks among the most vivid in south-eastern European football.

Visiting Stadion Poljud is straightforward from Split city centre, with the option to walk along the seafront promenade or take a short bus ride.

How to get there

• Bus: Promet Split city buses serve stops near the stadium; the journey from the Riva waterfront in the centre takes approximately 15–20 minutes
• On foot: A scenic 20–25 minute walk along the coastal promenade from Split city centre
• Car: Parking areas are available around the stadium but fill up quickly on matchdays; arriving early is advised
• Ferry arrivals: Passengers arriving at Split ferry port can walk or take a bus directly to the Poljud area

Tickets and tours

Match tickets for HNK Hajduk Split are sold through the club's official website and at the Poljud box office. High-demand fixtures — especially derbies and cup ties — sell out well in advance. Stadium tours are available on non-matchdays; schedules and bookings can be confirmed via the club directly.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 60 minutes before kick-off; 90 minutes for derbies and cup finals
• What to bring: Sun protection for afternoon kick-offs — the south stand is fully exposed
• Families: A designated family section is available away from the Torcida end
• Where to eat: Cafes and restaurants along the Spinut waterfront are within walking distance of the stadium