Stadion Crvena Zvezda

Stadion Rajko Mitic, earlier called Stadion Crvena Zvezda and frequently nicknamed Marakana, was constructed on the site where earlier the Jugoslavija Stadium stood.

The Jugoslavija Stadium had been built in 1927, and been occupied by Crvena Zvezda from 1945. The ground was torn down in 1959 and on its foundations a new arena was constructed.

Stadion Crvena Zvezda opened four years later, on 1 September 1963, with a match between Crvena Zvezda and Rijeka (2-1). The semi-completed stadium could then hold about 74,000 spectators, but was completed one year later with an increased capacity of 110,000 places.

Due to its large capacity, the ground got rapidly compared with Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã, and thus earned itself the nickname Marakana.

In 1973, Stadion Crvena Zvezda was the venue for the European cup final between Ajax and Juventus (1-0).

Three years later, the ground was the venue for the semi-final and final of the 1976 European Championships. In the final Czechoslovakia beat Germany in a penalty shoot-out with Czechoslovakia player Antonin Panenka gaining fame with his chip shot penalty.

Over the years, capacity of the ground has gradually been reduced, first through safety measures and later through the conversion of the standing areas to seats.

Stadion Rajko Mitic is situated in a quiet leafy residential neighbourhood, and apart from the odd local bar or eatery, there is little around in terms of dining and drinks, which is better done in central Belgrade. The ground of rivals Partizan, Stadion Partizana, is situated just a few blocks away.

There are no proper hotels directly close to the ground, but a good few apartment rentals and small B&Bs like B&B Klub 101. A little up the hill towards the downtown area close to the Saint Sava Church, although, there are some decent hotels to choose from such as Hotel Crystal, Garni Hotel, Saint TEN Hotel, and Hotel Slavija Garni. Use the linked guides for an overview of hotels near Stadion Rajko Mitic.

Of course, if you are planning to spend more time in Belgrade, you're likely better off picking something more central, and if you pick something around the southern side of the downtown area, you are still at a short walk from the ground. Use the linked guides for an overview of hotels in Belgrade.

Admission for Red Star games are sold online, or in person at the ticket windows of the ground 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 won't be necessary.

Ticket prices tend to range from RSD 100 to RSD 200, though will be increased for high-profile matches. Expect to pay at minimum RSD 500 for the derby versus Partizan.

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

Red Star offers guided venue tours that include visits to the dressing rooms, players tunnel, media room, VIP areas, and Red Star museum.

Additional information about dates and prices call +381 (0) 11 414 09 09. There are no tours on match days.