Vucic: The National Stadium will be completed by the end of February 2027

He announced that the stadium has 2,448 concrete piles and that 97 percent of the foundation work has been completed.

He added that the physical construction of the National Stadium should be finished by the end of February 2027, after which interior work will follow and should be completed in time for the EXPO exhibition. The stadium will be ready for football matches from September 2027.

"About 600 workers are working in two shifts, 20 hours a day. Exactly 2,448 piles have been installed to stabilize the entire structure, and 97 percent of the foundations are complete. The stadium’s capacity will be 52,000 seats. It will be 51.5 meters tall, with approximately 5,000 square meters of green areas, and 3,700 parking spaces. The facility will be excellently connected to transport infrastructure", Vucic said.

Foto: Tanjug/Rade Prelić

He told reporters that the stadium will be built according to the highest standards, with particular attention paid to safety. As he explained, the plan is for the venue to be evacuated within 30 seconds to one minute in case of need.

Foto: Tanjug/Rade Prelić

"It will have the same capacity as the Marakana today, but it will be incomparably more beautiful, better, and more luxurious", Vucic emphasized.

The President highlighted that it will be one of the three most beautiful stadiums in Europe.

Vucic added that, besides football, the venue will host other events such as concerts, when the capacity could reach up to 75,000 people.

Overall, around 5,000 workers are engaged on the entire EXPO construction site.

Vucic: The public wants modern stadiums

Regarding football matches at the National Stadium, Vucic expressed his expectation that the stadium will be ready by September 2027, and that football experts will decide whether to install natural or hybrid grass.

“For the European Under-21 Championship, we also need to upgrade other stadiums. I see criticism about why we are building stadiums, but I also see banners in Novi Sad and Subotica saying, ‘Novi Sad is waiting for a stadium,’ ‘Subotica is waiting for a stadium.’ People want new standards — they love football and sports, but they want to enjoy themselves, to eat, drink, stay warm, and not get rained on. So, we will continue this work, and I believe Serbia will have the strength to accomplish it,” the President concluded.

Capacity of 52,000 seats

The National Stadium will have a capacity of 52,000 seats and is being built in accordance with UEFA standards. The design and architectural concept were created by Mark Fenwick. The foundation stone for the stadium was laid by President Aleksandar Vucic on May 1st , 2024.

The complex will include a shopping center, a football academy, and a museum of the Football Association of Serbia. The stadium is designed as a multifunctional sports facility for major international competitions, but it will also be used for cultural and other events.

Foto: Tanjug/Rade Prelić

President Vucic previously stated that the National Stadium would be completed by May 1st , 2027, calling it a beautiful sports facility — the most beautiful in the region and among the finest in Europe.

Bid to host the 2028 Europa League Final

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced on Friday that the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) has submitted a bid for the new National Stadium in Belgrade to host the 2028 UEFA Europa League Final.

Alongside Serbia, the contenders for hosting the 2028 Europa League Final include France, with stadiums in Lyon and the Parc des Princes in Paris; Italy, with Juventus Stadium in Turin; and Romania, with the National Stadium in Bucharest.

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