July 20, 2020 - Split received another tourist attraction this summer - Skywalk Poljud. Open from Tuesday, this unique experience of the Hajduk stadium will be explored from a perspective never before available to the public.

"The Skywalk Poljud tour consists of a walk along the perimeter of the roof, and over the dome to the very top, then inside the roof structure. After that, visitors can decide whether the tour will end with a bungee jump across the field. The jump is from the KIC cabin, after which they descend to the edge of the stands," said Slaven Vrucinic for Dalmatinski Portal and Dalmacija Danas.

Slaven is a climbing instructor and the head of the sports and climbing department of the HPD Mosor, and he states that there is no danger. Statisticians and other experts have assessed the area, and participants will be 'double' insured. Groups will have a maximum of eight people, who will be accompanied by two licensed guides.

"Poljud is an architectural marvel, the roof structure is made without supporting pillars, and when you find yourself on the roof, you feel like you are flying over the stadium," Vrucinic said.

"We've actually copied things that have been common outside here for a while. By the way, I am a climbing instructor and I have passed the exam for an adventure tourism guide. I was always interested in how to insert the adrenaline-adventure element into the city itself. Everyone has trips around the Cetina canyon, around Mosor… and there is really nothing in the city but restaurants. Even while I was studying, I was on the roof of Poljud. The professor needed a climber to set up certain sensors and so my fascination with the stadium began.

Now we have finally decided to make something original in Split tourism. Poljud itself seemed like a logical choice. After that, we contacted people from Hajduk because they are concessionaires. I must emphasize that this whole project has nothing to do with Hajduk! However, they were very accommodating and showed us everything we needed," Vrucinic.

He revealed what exactly awaits all future participants of Skywalk Poljud.

"Future adventurers will walk around the outer perimeter of the stadium, of course, with security. We unscrewed a few old screws and put screws with a better quality head according to the statics project, and we threaded an invisible cable through the screws. So, we have a promenade along the perimeter of the west stand on the outside with a view of the Kastela Bay, the monastery of St. Ante and pools. At the top, we climb to the roof, reaching the edge of the roof. This is followed by a photoshoot and a descent to the junction of the west and south stands. Then follows the "cat walk", and these are the service paths where the spotlights are, through which the installation is passed. Here we have the story of why Poljud is so fascinating, why it is considered the most important object of stadium architecture. This famous Nest in Beijing draws its roots in the courage that was made in Split. Being a civil engineer, it was fascinating to me.

After that, we have a jump from the cabin. The length of this bungee is 70 meters," said Vrucinic.

Given that repairing the Poljud roof is often mentioned, would the condition of the roof itself pose any danger to the participants?

"The roof is in better condition than Marmontova. We replaced 88 screws. We used the latest screws. That roof is unmaintained, but it is not dangerous. We only noticed a few cables hanging, but the roof is ingenious!"

When does the adventure begin?

"We plan on Tuesday. We plan one tour in the morning at 9, one in the afternoon at 18. We plan to work every day, of course, we have to follow the obligations of Hajduk on the pitch. The promotional price is HRK 250 until August 1. After that, we will have discounts for Hajduk members, children and families," he concluded. 

No doubt, there will be no lack of interest in the new adrenaline attraction in Split.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

July 20, 2020 - The penultimate 35th round of the Croatian First League was held from July 17 to 19, 2020. This round featured the Adriatic Derby between Hajduk and Rijeka, which was the final game played at Poljud this season. 

Slaven Belupo v. Inter Zapresic (3:1)

Belupo and Inter opened the 35th round on Friday, July 17, 2020, in Koprivnica.

Adric scored the first goal of the match in the 13th minute for the Inter lead. Bacelic-Grgic equalized in the 42nd for 1:1 at the half. 

Etoundi increased Belupo's lead in the 49th minute for 2:1, and a Krstanovic penalty made it 3:1 three minutes later.

Slaven Belupo is currently in 7th place with 38 points, while Inter is in the last place with 17. 

Varazdin v. Osijek (1:0)

Varazdin and Osijek met in Varazdin on Saturday, July 18, 2020. 

A Drozdek goal in the 39th minute gave Varazdin the win. 

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 36 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 62. 

Istra 1961 v. Dinamo Zagreb (0:0) 

Istra and Dinamo met in Pula on July 18, 2020. 

The game went without goals. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 25 points, while Dinamo already clinched the titled in first place with 77. 

Lokomotiva v. Gorica (1:1)

Lokomotiva and Gorica met in Zagreb on Sunday, July 19, 2020. 

Budimir scored for Lokomotiva in the 10th minute for the early lead. Twenty minutes later, a Lokomotiva goal was called back by VAR. 

Mudrinski equalized for Gorica in the 61st minute for a final score of 1:1. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 3rd place with 62 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 48. 

Hajduk v. Rijeka (2:3)

Hajduk and Rijeka closed out the 35th round on Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Poljud in Split. 

Rijeka's Colak was the first to score with a goal in the 19th minute. Eduok equalized in the 39th for 1:1. Colak scored again during the added time for 1:2 Rijeka at the half. 

A Caktas penalty in the 69th minute made it 2:2, though a header from Galovic in the third minute of added time (90+3') gave Rijeka the 2:3 win. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 57 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 61. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 6, 2020 - The 33rd round of the Croatian First League was held from July 4 to 5, 2020. This round featured two big derbies, between Hajduk and Osijek, and Rijeka and Dinamo. 

Istra 1961 v. Gorica (2:2)

Istra and Gorica opened the 33rd round in Pula on Saturday, July 4, 2020. 

Istra led right before the half with a goal by Grzan for 1:0. Hamad and Mudrinski put Gorica in the lead with goals in the 49' and 51' minutes for 1:2. Delic equalized for Istra in the 81st minute for a final score of 2:2. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 24 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 47. 

Varazdin v. Slaven Belupo (1:0)

Varazdin and Belupo met on Saturday, July 4, 2020, in Koprivnica.

Drozdek scored the only goal of the game, which was a penalty in the 79th minute for 1:0 Varazdin. 

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 30 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 34. 

Lokomotiva v. Inter Zapresic (3:1)

Lokomotiva and Inter met on Saturday, July 4, in Zagreb. 

Markovic put Lokomotiva in the lead with a goal in the 30th minute for 1:0 at the half. Mamut equalized for Inter in the 52nd minute. Goals by Tolic and Jakic in the final minutes of the gale ultimately gave Lokomotiva the 3:1 win. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 2nd place with 60 points, while Inter is in the last place with 17. 

Hajduk v. Osijek (0:1)

Hajduk and Osijek met on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

The only goal of the game came in the 15th minute, thanks to Bockaj for 0:1 Osijek. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 54 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 59.  

Rijeka v. Dinamo (2:0)

Rijeka and Dinamo closed out the 33rd round on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Rujevica Stadium. 

An own goal by Gvardiol made it 1:0 for Rijeka in the 2nd minute. Colak increased Rijeka's lead to 2:0 in the 52nd minute, which was the final score of the game. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 55 points, while Dinamo is in first with 76. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicate page. 

June 5, 2020 - After a nearly three-month break due to COVID-19, the Croatian Football League returned on Friday for the 27th round match between Hajduk and Inter Zapresic at Poljud. TCN was there. 

While the football season in Croatia continued with the semifinals of the Croatian Cup last weekend, football fans in Croatia could hardly wait for the return of the Croatian Championship. The last game of the Croatian First League was played on March 9, when Lokomotiva celebrated in Gorica 3:1.

Exactly 88 days later, Hajduk was hungry for points to ensure second place and the Champions League qualifiers against the second-to-last place Inter, a club fighting to stay alive. Hajduk had celebrated in seven consecutive games against Zapresic in Split before tonight.

TCN reported live from a much quieter Poljud on Friday, as only journalists and a select few others were invited to witness the return of Hajduk outside of club members. Temperatures were checked upon entering the stadium, and no dilly-dallying was allowed - you were meant to go straight to your seat once inside. 

The pre-game protocol was also a bit different for players, who were not allowed to line-up or touch hands before kick-off. 

While the raging jugo wind and quiet stands didn't help either side on Friday, Hajduk dominated most of the first half - and Torcida even found a way to cheer outside of the stadium in the 25th minute - with fireworks! 

Unfortunately, Torcida's display couldn't help much - Inter's Mamut scored from a free-kick in the 37th minute for 0:1, which was how the first half ended. 

The ref consulted VAR in the 56th minute which saw a Hajduk penalty and a red card for Inter's Soldo. Caktas missed, though was given a second chance after the ref called that the keeper was off his line. Caktas scored this time for 1:1. 

Hajduk spent the remainder of the match in Inter's half, missing key chances for 2:1. And then it happened in the 7th minute of added time - Dimitrov scored for 2:1, which was the final score of the game. 

Slaven Belupo and Gorica will play on Saturday at 7 pm, and Varaždin and Dinamo at 9 pm, while the matches between Istra 1961 - Rijeka and Lokomotiva - Osijek will end the round on Sunday.

The Championship continues without spectators, but since the epidemiological situation in Croatia is good, the return of fans to the stadiums can be expected.

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

May 27, 2020 - HNK Hajduk has decided to thank its loyal season ticket holders in a special way for the 2019/20 season.

"Considering that according to the decision of the competent authorities, our season ticket holders will not be able to use their right to watch the matches at Poljud until the end of the season, the Club designed the project "Uvik u Srcu" (Always in the heart) whose goal is to gather all season ticket holders in one place to show them love and respect in moments when the team cannot play in front of their fans.

In addition, as a sign of gratitude to its loyal subscribers, Hajduk has provided a unique 20 percent discount on the entire range of products in all fan shops (Poljud and City) and through the webshop, which they can use until the end of the current season.

All the names of season ticket holders for this season will be inscribed in the thousands of hearts that will adorn the East of Poljud Stadium, all to at least figuratively compensate for their absence, support and roar coming from the stands of Poljud.

All those season tickets holders who, due to the protection of privacy and personal data, do not want their name to appear among the many red-blue hearts, can send their name and surname to the e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. until Friday, May 29 at noon. Namely, on that day, every season ticket holder's heart will get a place "under the sun" on the East Stands, which will be ready for the first referee's whistle against Inter Zapresic, the first opponent of the Hajduk in the continuation of the season," writes Hajduk on its official website. 

Hajduk and Inter Zapresic will open the 27th round of the Croatian First League on June 5, 2020, at 8 pm at Poljud Stadium. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April. 18, 2020 - HNK Hajduk has agreed with all first-team players to reduce wages as the competition is stalled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Split club reports that first-team players have accepted Hajduk's proposal to receive 40 percent of the contracted earnings over the next six months, the additional 40 percent will be deferred for six months and the remaining 20 percent will be permanently waived. Furthermore, the Club offered its players the chance to automatically reinstate the contracts from the time before the pandemic, in full, in the event they place in a European competition.

"HNK Hajduk thanks the players for their understanding and cooperation in reaching an agreement on reducing salaries in times of crisis in order to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the Club in the long run. In such an atmosphere of mutual respect and unity within the Club, we are sure that the desired sports result will not be missed. We completed the contract process in record time. The management and part of the higher-income working community will also share the fate of the players," said Hajduk president Marin Brbić.

"We believe that we have negotiated with the players as responsibly and correctly as possible. We did not rush to make a decision and neither did it unilaterally, but through an agreement with the players, we wanted to achieve synergy. We decided not to communicate the draft agreement publicly, allowing players to peacefully consider all the circumstances affecting the Club and football in Croatia and to make their decision accordingly. We thank them once again for the demonstrated team spirit and solidarity they have shown in this situation where, in addition to donated funds in our humanitarian actions, they have once again shown great responsibility to our Club and the entire community," added the sports director Ivan Kepčija.

Led by captain Mijo Caktaš, Hajduk players showed exceptional understanding and solidarity in the agreement.

"This is a situation that happens once in history and in which we all have to bear our burden to keep the Club stable. I am especially pleased that the team showed their understanding of the new circumstances after the first meeting, and there was really no doubt that we players should stand in solidarity with the Club at the moment when football activities around the world stopped. The conversations were very fair, we all showed a great community together, and I would like to thank all the teammates for that once again. I believe that we as a team and Hajduk as a Club will come out stronger from all this," said Caktaš after the agreement with the players was officially signed.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 14, 2020 - Football is back! Well, almost. Hajduk Split returns to a much quieter Poljud to train under strict conditions.

Namely, Hajduk began training on Monday on the main and auxiliary grounds of Poljud. Training sessions are organized throughout the day.

Hajduk footballers have been given permission to train individually, i.e., without physical contact with other players and other people in general, as recommended by the Headquarters. The training is done by appointment, with two players training at the same time, one on the main pitch and one on Poljud's auxiliary grounds. Afterward, the players must go home because they are not allowed to shower at the stadium after training.

"The players will come to Poljud at different times and each player is alone on the field during training, which is in accordance with the instructions of the Civil Protection Headquarters," the club revealed.

The training is mainly about developing endurance and strength.

"This is how the Hajduk will train all week, and further activities will be organized in accordance with the latest instructions of the Civil Protection Headquarters," added Hajduk.

Recall, the Executive Board of the Croatian Football Federation has adopted changes to the competition calendar in the 1st and 2nd Croatian League and Croatian Cup, taking into account the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to the recommendation of UEFA, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) management has considered all the options in the calendar to allow a successful end to the competition year. Considering that the further course of the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable, the HNS Executive Board has adopted three calendar options for the Croatian First League, Second League, and Croatian Cup competitions.

HNS has been in communication with the Central State Office for Sport on this subject, which is aware of and agrees with the decisions cited here.

Depending on the epidemiological situation in Croatia and the decisions of the competent authorities, the Executive Board will, by a specific decision, determine which version of the competition calendar change will apply.

In addition, the Olympic Committee has set deadlines by which it will announce a possibly selected version of the decision:

Option 1
1st HNL Competition Starts: May 16, 2020
2nd HNL Competition Starts: May 23, 2020
Completion of the 1st HNL and 2nd HNL Competition: July 18, 2020
Deadline: April 20, 2020

Option 2
1st HNL and 2nd HNL Competition Starts: May 30, 2020
Completion of the 1st HNL and 2nd HNL Competition: July 25, 2020
Deadline: May 4, 2020

Option 3
1st HNL and 2nd HNL Competition Starts: June 13, 2020
Completion of the 1st HNL Competition: August 2, 2020
Completion of 2nd HNL Competition: 1st August 2020
Deadline: May 18, 2020

Before the Croatian First League was interrupted because of the coronavirus pandemic, Hajduk was in fourth place with 45 points, behind Lokomotiva (46), Rijeka (47) and Dinamo (65).

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 16, 2020 -  KK Mertojak was fantastic in the return Champions League quarterfinal game against the champions of Italy, Neumartkt Imperial Life. 

Supported by a packed Poljud bowling alley, KK Mertojak swept one of Europe's best professional teams with a high score of 7:1 (3677: 3595) and thus made up for the 3:5 loss from the first match, reports Dalmacija Danas.

It was a victory for the team, the community, and fans.

“This result is especially significant due to the fact that after 1999 (VK POŠK) this is the first team placement in the Champions League final four by a Split club (in a city that is considered to be one of the sportiest cities in the world). Unfortunately, at this moment, Mertojak is the only one of European value in the city of Split, and we hope that it will be recognized,” said KK Mertojak.

Mertojak’s success is building gradually, though they are already taking one step higher than last year. The next stop is Apatin, Serbia from March 28-29, where a caravan of fans will support Mertojak along the way.

The Mertojak bowling club was founded in 2006 as an amateur and neighborhood club, though they conceived it as a bowling school. They gathered a group of boys who were interested in the sport, and with proper training, good coaching and fair conditions, the results started to come. Mertojak moved from nothing to the first in the league.

They are led by Hrvoje Marinovic, the 2018 World Individual Finalist and the Mixed Doubles Finalist at the 7th World Senior Singles Championship held in Cluj, Romania. In the 2017/2018 season, the team also became the Croatian finalists, just behind Zaprešić in first.

The club initially trained at the Mertojak bowling alley, where they could work in excellent conditions. However, the owner discontinued the bowling alley for various reasons, and today, the club trains and plays at Poljud. Although it is a decent bowling alley, there are too few lanes. Due to this, and chronically small and limited financial resources, they are not able to host any competition. The city only contributes a little. 

Sponsorships are also nearly impossible in bowling, because it is not an Olympic sport.

To r read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

February 13, 2020 - Hajduk Split has announced a vibrant program for its 109th birthday, which is celebrated on February 13. 

Slobodna Dalmacija reports that the club made every effort to mark the birthday with dignity, and to bring together the Hajduk family in large numbers as appropriate. On this occasion, the Hajduk Interpretation Center and the Poljud Museum project will be presented.

Hajduk’s 109th birthday will also mark the 75th anniversary of Hajduk’s official honor by the Free France sports team. It will also mark a quarter-century since Hajduk’s first team was received by Pope John Paul the Second (1995).

The centerpiece of the celebration will begin at noon. The book "Hajduk and the World" will be promoted in the cinema hall of Poljud stadium. The book is authored by the club chronicler Jurica Gizdić. At the same place, the Hajduk Interpretation Center and the Poljud Museum will be presented.

Another showcase will open in honor of the legendary footballer and club official Dr. Šime Poduje. The Vis native was one of the most deserving people in the rebuilding of the club in 1944 as HŠK Hajduk. He played 226 games for Hajduk and scored 87 goals. He was a member of the 1927 and 1929 Hajduk championship teams.

At 9 am, a mass was held at St. Anthony's Church at Poljud for all the deceased players, coaches, fans, officials and members of the club.

Thereafter, wreaths were laid for all fans and members of the club in the Homeland War at the northern stand of the Poljud stadium, and at 10:30 am for all the deceased footballers at the Hajduk grave at Lovrinac Cemetery.

Program

9:00 - Holy Mass in the Church of St. Anthony at Poljud for deceased players, coaches, fans, officials and club members

9:45 - Wreaths in the northern stand for fans and club members killed in Homeland War

10:30- Wreaths for all deceased footballers at Hajduk's grave at Lovrinac Cemetery

12:00 - Promotion of the book "Hajduk and the World", by Jurica Gizdić and presentation of the Hajduk Interpretation Center and the Poljud Museum, both in the cinema hall at Poljud

13:15 - Showcase opening of the legendary footballer and official Dr. Šime Poduje in the trophy salon of the senior team

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

December 2, 2019 - The 17th round of the Croatian First League was held from November 29 to December 1, 2019. This round featured the highly anticipated Adriatic Derby between Hajduk and Rijeka. 

Slaven Belupo v. Inter Zapresic (3:0)

Belupo and Inter opened the 17th round on Friday, November 29, 2019, in Koprivnica in front of 783 spectators. 

Belupo scored their first goal in the 15th minute thanks to Nowak, and Krstanovic increased the lead to 2:0 in the 26th minute. Mikulic scored in the 66th for 3:0, which was the final score of the game.

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 18 points, while Inter is in the last place with 11. 

Lokomotiva v. Gorica (4:0) 

Lokomotiva and Gorica met in Zagreb on Friday, November 29, 2019, in front of 583 spectators. 

Goals by Kastrati and Uzuni in the 40th and 41st minutes had Lokomotiva up 2:0 at the half. An own goal by Marina increased Lokomotiva’s lead to 3:0 in the 63rd minute, and Tolic ended the scoring spree in the 79th minute for 4:0. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 4th place with 28 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 25. 

Varazdin v.Osijek (1:1)

Varazdin and Osijek met on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at NK Varteks Stadium in front of 1,270 fans. 

Maric scored just before halftime to put Osijek in the lead, though Varazdin found a way to equalize thanks to a Glavica goal in the 77th minute for 1:1. 

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 12 points, while Osijek is in 5th with 27.

Istra 1961 v. Dinamo (1:2)

Istra and Dinamo met on Saturday,  November 30, 2019, in Pula in front of 2,462 fans. 

Kadzior scored the first goal of the game for the 0:1 Dinamo lead in the 22nd minute, which was the score at the half. Orsic scored in the 49th for 0:2, though Istra’s Cuze gave the home team a goal in the 90th minute for a final score of 1:2. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 12 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 38. 

Hajduk v. Rijeka (0:4)

Hajduk and Rijeka closed out the 17th round on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Poljud for the Adriatic Derby. 

The first goal of the game didn’t come until the 43rd minute when Acosty scored for the Rijeka lead. However, in the final minutes of the second half, Rijeka managed to increase their lead by three goals - Raspopovic in the 83rd, Gorgon in the 87th, and Halilovic in the third minute of added time. The game ended at 0:4 for Rijeka. 

Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 31 points, while Rijeka is in 3rd with 28. 

You can see the full HNL table here.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.