At the recent general meeting of Hajduk's shareholders, discussions once again turned to the topic of the Poljud stadium, highlighting ongoing concerns about its condition and usability under certain weather conditions. The meeting took place amid a period of turbulence for the club, as stakeholders gathered to discuss financial matters, performance outcomes, and the current status of player Marko Livaja. However, one of the most pressing issues raised was the state of the stadium itself, particularly regarding safety and infrastructure.
The conversation around the future of the stadium has been ongoing, with differing opinions on whether to demolish Poljud and build a new stadium on the same site or preserve Poljud while constructing a new venue elsewhere. For now, Hajduk remains at Poljud, but the stadium's condition is described as deteriorating and costly to maintain. During the meeting, President Ivan Bilić addressed these concerns directly, providing insight into the current situation and the steps being taken to assess the stadium’s viability.
Bilić informed shareholders that approximately 50% of the lexan panels on the stadium roof have been replaced so far. He mentioned that the club had aimed to complete this work within eight months, which he believed was still achievable. In addition, the club has engaged Professor Mihanović's firm to conduct a comprehensive study of the stadium's condition. This study, however, faced challenges in obtaining necessary reviews due to difficulties in securing three reviewers. Despite this, the documentation related to the study has already been submitted to the Ministry of Sports.
A working group visited the stadium two weeks prior to the meeting, during which they were presented with all relevant documents. Bilić emphasized that ensuring the stadium's safety is of utmost importance, noting that the club has received a license from the Croatian Football Association for the upcoming season. According to Mihanović's findings, there are limitations on the stadium's use based on wind speed, specifically stating that football matches cannot be played when winds exceed 70 kilometers per hour. To address this concern, the club has ordered devices to measure wind speeds accurately, aiming to mitigate risks associated with high winds.
Beyond the stadium, Bilić also outlined other infrastructure projects currently underway. Plans include the renovation of the auxiliary field, divided into two phases. Regarding the training complex, the club has commissioned a company to prepare an initial project plan for a facility in Stobreč, with hopes of completing this by the end of the year. These developments reflect the club's commitment to improving both its sporting and operational environments.
The discussion surrounding Poljud underscores the broader challenges facing Hajduk as it navigates between maintaining its historic home ground and exploring modernization efforts. While some members advocate for preserving Poljud, others see the need for a new stadium to ensure long-term sustainability and safety. As these debates continue, the club remains focused on addressing immediate concerns while planning for the future. With the submission of the stadium assessment to the ministry and the initiation of new projects, the path forward appears to involve collaboration with local authorities and continued investment in infrastructure improvements.
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