History and description

The construction of the stadium began in 1934 and was completed in 1937. The stadium had a capacity of 70,000 spectators. It was the largest stadium in Yugoslavia and one of the largest in Europe. Stadion Rajko Mitic, previously called Stadion Crvena Zvezda and often nicknamed Marakana, was built on the site where the Jugoslavija Stadium once stood. The construction of the stadium began in 1934 and it was completed in 1937 with a capacity of 70,000 spectators. It was one of the largest stadiums in Yugoslavia and one of the largest in Europe. The Jugoslavija Stadium was built in 1927 and was occupied by Crvena Zvezda from 1945. The stadium got demolished in 1959 and on its foundations, a new stadium was built.

On 1 September 1963, Crvena Zvezda hosted Rijeka in a match that ended in a 2–1 victory for the home team. The stadium was not fully completed until one year later, on 30 August 1964, which allowed it to hold an additional 110,000 spectators.

The large capacity of the stadium quickly compared it with Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã, and thus earned itself the nickname Marakana.

In 1973 the Stadion Crvena Zvezda hosted the European Cup final between Ajax and Juventus. Ajax won the match 1-0.

Three years later, the stadium hosted the semi-final and final of the 1976 European Championships. Czechoslovakia won the final on penalties with Antonin Panenka gaining fame with his chip shot penalty.

Over the years, the stadium's capacity has gradually decreased, first through safety measures and later through the conversion of the standing areas to seats.

How to get to Stadion Rajko Mitic

The stadium is named after Serbian football player and international teammate of Rajko Mitic, Rajko Mitić. The stadium, which currently has a capacity of 33,000 spectators, was opened on 24 March 2009 and is situated in the south-eastern part of Belgrade municipality of New Belgrade. Named after Serbian football player and international teammate of Rajko Mitic, Rajko Mitić, it replaced the old JNA Stadium as the home ground for Red Star Belgrade. It is a significant but doable walk from the railway station or southern parts of the city centre, taking about 40 minutes. The walk from the Saint Sava Church, one of Belgrade?s major landmarks, which is located in Belgrade?s south, takes about 25 minutes.

The stadium can be reached with trams 9, 10, and 14 (all in the direction of Banjica). Tram 9 departs from the main railway station, tram 10 from the historic centre (e.g. Cara Dusana street), and tram 14 from Ta?majdan Park (which line 10 also passes). Get off at Trg Oslobodenja square shortly after having passed the E-75 motorway.

Alternatively, you can take either bus 40 or 41. Bus 40 can be taken from Takovska avenue west of the city centre and bus 41 from Trg Studentski square right in the city centre.

Address: Ljutice Bogada 1a, 11000 Beograd

Eat, drink, and sleep near Stadion Rajko Mitic

The stadium, Rajko Mitic, is located in a quiet residential neighbourhood. Apart from the odd local bar or eatery, there is little around in terms of eating and drinking, which is better done in central Belgrade. The stadium of rivals Partizan, Stadion Partizana, is located just a few blocks away. There are no proper hotels directly near the stadium, but a good few apartment rentals and small B&Bs like B&B Klub 101 are located nearby. A little up the hill towards the city centre near the Saint Sava Church, however, there are some decent hotels to choose from such as Hotel Crystal, Garni Hotel, Saint TEN Hotel, and Hotel Slavija Garni.

If you are looking to stay in Belgrade for longer, a more central location may be better for you. If you are located around the southern side of the city centre, you are still within walking distance of the stadium. Click here for an overview of hotels in Belgrade.

Red Star Belgrade Tickets

Tickets for Red Star games can be bought online, in person at the ticket windows of the stadium on the day before the match, or on the day of the match. Apart from the derby against Partizan, Red Star rarely sell out and booking in advance is not necessary.

Tickets for major matches tend to range from RSD 100 to RSD 200, though they may be increased for high-profile matches. Expect to pay at least RSD 500 for the derby match against Partizan.

For more information call +381 (0) 11 30 10 10 3.

Stadium tours

The Red Star Stadium offers guided tours that include visits to the dressing room, players tunnel, media room, VIP areas, and the Red Star Museum. For more information about dates and prices, please call +381 (0) 11 414 09 09. There are no tours on match days.

Relevant Internet links

The official website of FK Crvena Zvezda, as well as the website of the tourist organization in Belgrade, Gsp.rs, provide information about public transportation in Belgrade. During the first half, the group sang one song monotonously. However, at the start of the second half, they began a massive display with flares that lasted for at least fifteen minutes. This was something we had never seen before.

Match visited: Red Star Belgrade vs Mladost Lucani Date visited: October 2016

The game itself was quite good, and much better than their previous game against Partizan. I thought the Serbian support was really passionate and joined in with the chants.

We bought our tickets at the ticket windows of the stadium before the match between Red Star Belgrade and Torino. The small crowd at this low-profile league fixture meant there were few fans in attendance, with most located near the covered main stand where we sat. A significant group of hardcore fans behind the goal were also in attendance.

Despite its massive size, the stadium was well-rated by fans of Red Star who made the match a real treat. Throughout the first half they quietly sang one song, but surprisingly, at the start of the second half they started a large display with flares that lasted for at least fifteen minutes. This was something we had not seen anywhere else before.

I obtained my ticket for the match on the day for 1200 RSD. A lot of Partizan fans sat in the main stand with Crvena fans. I walked to the stadium from Saint Saviour's Cathedral (about 20 minutes). Well recommended!

I went to watch The derby against Partizan earlier today. The atmosphere was amazing. Both sets of fans were amazing, and the whole game was exciting. I got my ticket on the day for 1200 RSD. A lot of fans from Partizan sat in the main stand with Crvena fans. I walked to the stadium from Saint Savva cathedral (about 20 minutes). Well recommended!

Carl wrote: On May 31, 2013, at 1:51 PM, he went out there from Southampton. He had a great experience watching the Belgrade derby with a few friends. The atmosphere was red hot and it was very dangerous, but he thought it was more dangerous than any game he had been to in Italy.

I went out to watch the Belgrade Derby with a few friends from Southampton a month ago. It must be very brave of you to go there, the fans are incredibly dedicated and can be quite dangerous, especially since there are no families in attendance. The atmosphere was red hot and it was a great experience, though I thought it was more dangerous than any other game I've been to in Italy.