The 7th edition of Ultra Europe 2019 closed its doors in July for what will be remembered as one of the best yet. Record numbers, a new location, four destinations, hundreds of performers, spectacular production, thousands of visitors, including many celebrities, and lifelong friendships made can quickly sum up the 7th edition of Ultra Europe - and on the heels of that success, Ultra has announced the new release. Namely, from July 10-12, 2020, Split will host the 8th edition! 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s a look at the 7th edition of Ultra Europe, in numbers. 

Over the seven-day experience, more than 155,000 fans arrived from a record 143 countries to Ultra Europe this year, mostly from Spain, the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Austria, the US, Canada and the Netherlands. There were more than 35,000 local fans, which is the highest ever, and the festival’s millionth visitor was recorded this year, making it by far the largest international event in Croatia. More than 2,000 people took part in the organization, more than 250 DJs played on 12 stages in 4 destinations, and more than 300 accredited local and foreign journalists closely followed the event. 

Ultra Europe saw a total reach of 10,000,000 + on social channels. More than 20,000,000 impressions were generated, over 500,000 likes, and official hashtags were popular - #UltraEurope was used over 150,000 times. The festival was also live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, recording over 300,000 minutes of views, and the best moments can still be viewed on all official channels of the festival.

What sets ULTRA apart from all other festivals in the world is the way it connects music and destinations. The experience for visitors takes on a whole new dimension, and the promotion of Croatia is hardly measurable by any number. ULTRA takes its fans on a journey from Omiš, via Split to Brač, Hvar and Vis. However, festival guests are also happy to travel to Dubrovnik, to the Krka waterfalls and Plitvice Lakes, the places they have chosen in the official survey as those that are definitely worth a visit. Ultra guests stay almost seven days in Croatia on average and take pictures and memories with them to all parts of the globe. The destination adventure started on the island of Brač, at the 585 Club, before the madhouse moved to the sunniest Croatian island of Hvar. The music program began in front of the cascading pools of the Amfora Grand Beach Resort and continued at the Carpe Diem Beach Club. In the intimate and exclusive atmosphere of the 200-year-old Fort George Fort on Vis, better known as Fortica, the seventh ULTRA adventure came to an end. 

It was also the most talked-about news in recent months as many considered the famous festival leaving Poljud the wrong solution and a reason why Ultra could ultimately leave Croatia. Those behind this decision were silent yet wise as they eagerly waited to open the doors to their new home. So, is Ultra Europe moving to Park Mladeži for good? Fortunately, Park Mladeži did not disappoint and powerfully kicked off a new four-year festival period that is growing and evolving. Some 15,000 square meters larger than Poljud, representing three football fields, it has opened up new opportunities for organizers to use 30,000 square meters, which is accompanied by an increase in capacity for 55,000 visitors. Together with the City of Split and the Split Sports Facilities Public Institution, this location will develop into a leading sports and event location in the region. It is important to note that no major incidents were recorded during the festival in Split, and the seventh edition will be remembered for the smallest number of interventions by all services in history.

“This year we had only one goal - to fulfill all that we promised you at the beginning of the year! That we have succeeded in this is not only spoken by figures and facts, but also by the numerous positive comments we receive daily from our fans, and also from the performers themselves and the American festival owners. I would like to thank all those who contributed to this, and I would especially like to thank the residents of Split. We asked you to believe us and thank you for that! We have done everything necessary to make the festival the safest venue in the country, with the lowest number of interventions ever, confirming the success of the new location. Without cooperating with the local community and surrounding residents, this would not be possible, and I am sure that in the coming years we will further develop this location to further improve their living conditions during the festival and also make all Split citizens proud of Park Mladeži,” said Joe Bašić, Managing Director of MPG Live, the exclusive organizer of ULTRA Europe, adding:" Considering that the festival generates more than €20 million in free marketing promotions each year to the city of Split and Croatia, we will agree that this is one of the most important events in the history of the Croatian music and entertainment industry, and in order for this figure to be higher, it requires further solid and high-quality cooperation with the representatives of the authorities, local and tourism sector, as well as the support of all citizens of Split.”

The production of a festival this size is also no easy task, especially when you change the location just one month before the festival begins. However, among the many records broken at the 7th edition is the main stage. The length of the whole stage stretched 67.50 meters, which was also one of the longest stages in Europe and never before seen in our region. One pillar weighed more than 10 tons, and the roof had ballasts that, when filled with water, weighed about 50 tons. The Swedish House Mafia performance was an additional challenge - in just half an hour the existing scenery had to be dismantled, a special riser appeared, which looked like a 14m x 4m stage, with 88 meters of additional LED screens, additional lighting, and landings for pyrotechnics. More than 450 people worked at the festival and the equipment arrived in 50 trucks, including more than 1,800 light fixtures and more than 1,200 square meters of LED screens. There were also 240 meters of bar space, and to minimize the effect of noise, special attention was given to sound. A high-performance directional audio system was selected, and using the Cardioid Subwoofers, the sound wave coherently propagated only to the north of the stadium. Advanced Array Processing technology was also used to direct the sound waves into the dance floor to minimize the dissipation of the shielded zones and further limit the volume to 100 dB.

Last year, the Government of the Republic of Croatia declared the festival a strategically important project because of its large positive multiplier effects on the Croatian economy and the promotion of Croatia as a tourist destination. The realized GDP of the festival is approximately 0.08 percent of the total GDP of Croatia. It is not surprising, therefore, that this year many politicians and representatives of the tourism sector wanted to feel the magic of Ultra firsthand. Visitors included Minister of Culture Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Mayor of Split Andro Krstulović Opara, Mayor of Zagreb Milan Bandić, State Secretary Tonči Glavina, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board Martina Bienenfeld and Alijana Vukšić, Director of the Split Tourist Board.

Many celebrities like Vanna, who came with her husband and daughters, Ivo Radić, Anamarija Asanović, Ivan Tandarić from ELFS, Petar Grašo, Luka Nižetić, Damir Kedžo, Ivan Pažanin, Domenica, Hana, Ivan Huljić, Jole, Radovan Stošić, model Luna Valas, Paula Puškaš, Patrick Cvetko and Drago Pežić didn’t miss the fun at Park Mladeži.

Tickets for the eighth edition, which will be held from July 10 to 12, 2020, at Park Mladeži in Split, can be purchased on the official website.

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

July 19, 2019 - After three historic days at the new location of Park Mladeži in Split, the Ultra Europe festival sailed to the Dalmatian islands. Brač, Hvar and Vis fulfilled the many expectations of the festival-goers who, apart from mega spectacle at the Split football stadium, feel that this Croatian version of the world's most famous festivals is unique to the international music industry.

Record figures, which welcomed the millionth visitor at the new location, marked the seventh year of Ultra. And although the festival just ended on the islands, the organizers announced the 8th edition next year at Park Mladeži, which will be held from 10 to 12 July, 2020. 

The first contingent of early bird tickets for 139 euros has already been released. VIP ticket sales have also already begun, which begin at 369 euros for the 3-day festival. There is also a group offer, which grants you the sixth ticket free after five are purchased. All ticket information is available on the official website of www.ultraeurope.com. 

The Destination Ultra adventure went off to the island of Brač on Monday at one of the most beautiful outdoor clubs in the Mediterranean, 585 Club. On Tuesday, the festival moved to the sunniest Croatian island - Hvar. At 1 pm, the music program began in front of the cascading pools of the Amfora Grand Beach Resort, led by Sigma, Jax Jones and Martin Solveig. The party continued at Carpe Diem Beach Club with a fantastic underground program. 

The last station of this year's Ultra Europe adventure was Vis island, where the RESISTANCE Closing Party was held in an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. The 200-year-old fort Fort George, better known as Fortica, presented house and dance rhythms to one thousand visitors to close out the 7th edition. 

Tickets for the 8th edition of the Ultra Europe Festival can be purchased on the official website. All other information about the festival can be found on the official Facebook page, the Twitter profile, the Instagram profile, and through the iTunes application.

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

As Novac/Ruzica Mikacic writes on the 18th of July, 2019, if, after the last tourist week in Split and in the wider area from Trogir to Omiš and on the nearby islands, someone working in tourism complained about how much they earned, then it's really a shock. Why? The Ultra Europe Festival.

The popular festival gathered together about 120,000 visitors from all over Europe and the world in Split, earned more than it ever has done before, more specifically about 14.8 million more than last year, and while the effects of this year's earnings are still being added up. It should be stated that the figure was rounded up to around forty million euros. This is no longer a matter of opinion or assessment, but of very specific data of the Tax Administration of the Croatian Ministry of Finance.

In the three days of the Ultra Europe Festival, the Ministry of Finance recorded a record number of issued fiscalised receipts containing record-breaking amounts when compared to those issued last year.

In thee days and in all sectors, Ultra Europe officially registered a turnover of more than one hundred million kuna, and on some specific days, they earned up to 25 percent more than they did last year!

The bulk of this of course comes from food and beverage services, as well as trade, exchange services, transport services, excursions, agency services... It doesn't really take a rocket scientist to realise there has probably been even more earned in accommodation, food and drink services, excursions, taxi rides and many other sectors where receipts weren't given out.

All in all, those working in hospitality and tourism, as well as providers of transport, banks and telecom operators can definitely feel very satisfied with the situation in their cash registers and wallets after the largest tourist event in the Republic of Croatia.

Those who attended this year's Ultra Europe spent the most on Saturday, July the 13th, when more than 8 million kuna was recorded in the food and beverage service sector, which is 24 percent more than last year.

When it comes to the amounts of fiscalised receipts issued in all industries, then Split's guests were once again the most prolific on that Saturday, when the amount of receipts issued reached almost 37 million kuna, while the greatest growth in spending compared to last year was during preparation time, on Friday.

That day, tourists spent as much as 7.5 million kuna more than they did at last year's Ultra Europe. Since the analyses have shown that Ultra's guests stay in Split for an average of 6.4 days and spend around 143 euros on average daily, it's clear that the figures acheived in Central Dalmatia over those days are at record highs.

Thus, according to the first accounts, about 120,000 festival-goers spent 5.7 million euros per day, and about 17 million euros over three days, the equivalent to around 130 million kuna. Everything they spent in Split was to add their spending in the area where the concerts were actually going on. It is estimated that the turnover for meals and drinks stood at around 16 million kuna.

About 50 million kuna spent on Ultra Europe tickets should also be added into the equation, and to reach Split, the average airline ticket price was 573 euros. There were also VIP guests who arrived in Split on private aircraft, and air transport costs alone amounted to more than 5 million euros in total.

According to the analysis made on Ultra's guests, about one-third of them slept in hotels, a third in private accommodation, and others in camps, rooms, or on board a boat. In addition to Split, Dubrovnik, Plitvice and Krk were the most visited Croatian destinations. The record attendance in Split over the past few days has been confirmed by eVisitor's data, which shows that during the week of Ultra Europe, in the Split area, there were 49,591 arrivals and 166,542 overnight stays realised.

''If we compare this data with the results of tourist traffic during the Ultra Europe Festival last year, there's been a 10 percent increase in arrivals and a 12 percent increase in overnight stays. When we talk about the how full all of the accommodation capacities were, it's at 60 percent, which is 4 percent more than the week of the Ultra Europe Festival in 2018. The highest occupancy was recorded in high category facilities with 4 and 5 stars,'' says Alijana Vukšić, the director of the Split Tourist Board.

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page for much more.

Brodosplit presented the Flying Clipper - a unique sailboat designed according to the 1911 model - which is also the largest sailboat in the world. 

Meet the Flying Clipper, the largest sailboat in the world which will enter the Guinness Book of World Records. It is the first sailboat with built-in "Safe return to port" security standards and meets all the requirements for the US Coast Guard and US Public Health Service. The Flying Clipper is the only sailboat in the world that has received the highest possible class for noise and vibration, reports Dnevnik.hr and Splitski Dnevnik on July 15, 2019. 

The boat is 162 meters long and 18.5 meters wide, with a load of 2000 tons, has five masts and boasts a total of 6,347 square meters. On five decks, the Flying Clipper can accommodate up to 450 people. It has 224 cabins, of which 150 are luxury cabins for 300 passengers and 74 cabins for 150 crew members.

On Monday, the Flying Clipper embarked on its first tour to Hvar thanks to the organizers of the Ultra Europe Festival, who even have plans to continue cooperating with Brodosplit.

"Ultra is an international story, a manifestation that has developed in Split for the past seven years. Likewise, the Flying Clipper is an international story and we are proud to be able to work with them. Our engagement with the shipyard started four years ago when our workers helped them set up scaffolds. This cooperation is proof that Ultra is the driver of development for the City of Split and together with Brodosplit, we want to build the future here. In our new home, Park Mladeži is another connection with Brodosplit where we have beautiful views from the Resistance stage of the Brodosplit Shipyard,” said Joe Bašić, the organizer of the Ultra Europe festival.

Bašić concluded by saying that this was the best Ultra so far and that he is sure that next year will be even better.

Over the next four days, the Flying Clipper will sail the organizers of Ultra Europe, dozens of foreign journalists and party leaders to visit the festival events on the islands of Brač, Hvar and Vis.

Recall, a 70 million euro contract between Brodosplit and Star Clippers owner Mikhail Krafft has recently been terminated because both sides claimed that it had been violated: Krafft had exceeded the deadlines and the Split shipyard failed to meet the conditions for completion. The dispute is still moving towards arbitration, but, according to unofficial information, negotiations over a possible compromise are also in parallel.

Thus, during that time, the ship is officially owned by the Split shipyard and will sail under the flag under which it was built - Malta.

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

July 14, 2019 - The second day of Ultra Europe was enjoyed by Croatian politicians and tourism representatives, and no major incidents were reported! 

Justin Oh, Kryoman, Lost Kings, DJ Snake, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, No Redemption, Afrojack and Alesso all graced the main festival stage at Ultra Europe on Saturday night, which was breathtaking in its presence, production and special effects. The rivers of festival goers flowed for hours, with the first queues already lined up at 7 pm when the organizers opened the main entrance. 

The largest international event in Croatia has seen great support from the local tourist boards, the tourism sector and the Government of Croatia. Thus, the mayor of Split, Andro Krstulović Opara, and Joe Bašić, on behalf of the Ultra organization, was proud to welcome guests from Zagreb to show them precisely what Ultra is all about. Namely, Zagreb mayor Milan Bandić, director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić, director of the Zagreb Tourist Board, Martina Bienenfeld, State Secretary Tonči Glavina, and Alijana Vukušić, Split Tourist Board director experienced first hand why the festival is king. Recall, Ultra will also mark a million visitors to date in Split. 

Even better news is that the second day of the festival saw the fewest medical interventions ever. Namely, at the end of the night, four festival goers were taken to the hospital. 

Furthermore, before, during, and after the second day, no significant negative security events were reported, relating to disturbing public order and peace to a greater extent, injuring festival goers or damaging property. Eight property crimes were reported, mostly theft, according to the Split-Dalmatia County Police Department.

“A total of 112 persons, Croatian and foreign nationals, were arrested, mainly because of the violation of the Drug Abuse Act. The criminal investigation of three people is ongoing with the criminal offense of unauthorized production and trafficking of drugs,” said Antonela Lolić, the spokesperson of the Split-Dalmatia County Police Department. 

Tonight, Axwell, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso and the highly anticipated performance of Swedish House Mafia will help close out another prosperous Ultra Europe. 

You can read more about the festival here. 

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

The wait is over - the 7th edition of Ultra Europe officially begins on Friday at Park Mladeži in Split. The organizers announced on Thursday that everything is ready for the most important international event in Croatia, and this year, there are even new records! 

Namely, Ultra Europe boasts the biggest stage and production ever seen in the region, the largest number of visitors, the biggest music stars of today and an even more spectacular fireworks show, which the organizers promise will promote Split in the best light. 

Park Mladeži opens its doors every day at 7 pm, and on Monday, the musical journey continues to the islands of Brač, Hvar and Vis.

So, what do you need to know before coming to the festival? The main entrance for visitors is located along Ul. Hrvatske Mornarice, and the new location, due to its width and spaciousness, allows for a faster flow, which means it should be less crowded and offer a better experience with security measures that are at the highest possible level. Park Mladeži is said to be much larger than the previous location, and in its central area, which is the size of three football fields, an additional 20,000 people can be accommodated. This location will be the heart of the festival itself, linking all three stages and offering entertainment by many festival partners and a variety of food and drink. A better experience will also be had by the VIP guests who can expect a special entrance and entry to the lodges located on three floors.

The organizers are especially proud of the main stage, which is 16 meters tall and 80 meters wide, with over 150 square feet of LED display, to make it the greatest stage ever set in the region. And we must not forget that one of the trademarks of the festival is undoubtedly the 360 fireworks that will be even more vibrant this year!

On Friday, festival goers can enjoy the main stage acts Lucky Z, Plastik Funk, David Guetta, Gud Vibrations, Nicky Romero, The Chainsmokers and Armin van Buuren. On Saturday, the lineup reveals Justin Oh, Kryoman, Lost King, DJ Snake, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, No Redemption, Afrojack and Alesso, while Moe, Vanillaz, Cheat Codes, Rezz, Above & Beyond, Jeffrey Sotorius and megastars Swedish House Mafia will be in charge of closing the seventh edition of the festival on Sunday, July 14, 2019.

Most festival goers are eagerly awaiting the performance of DJ-trio Swedish House Mafia, which includes Split on the map of concerts as part of their comeback tour. The gigantic main stage will be completely redone for their performance, and the announced production and special effects will be a special surprise for all visitors. It will be a show the entire world will talk about and a music treat that should not be missed.

No less exciting is the ever spectacular RESISTANCE stage whose industrial designs look like Brodosplit cranes, linking the past and the future for the largest and most modern production underground stage in the world. On Friday, the stage will welcome Rory Lynam, Steve Fidelak, Patrice Baumel, Sasha b2b Nic Fanciulli, Maceo Plex, and Adam Beyer, DanceElecricPhilipe will open Saturday with I Elio Riso, Art Department, Jamie Jones, Richie Hawtin, and Marco Carola, while Sunday is booked for Sk! Y, Peru Fullhouse, Jon Rundell, Dubfire, Joseph Capriati, and Carl Cox.

The UMF Stage will host numerous new faces of the international electronic scene. Electro House, main room house, deep underground, and progressive house styles will be played by Richard Lowe, Miss Faith, Kosta Radman, Mike & Me, Iris Santo, Lorenzo, Drumelody, while local pop-rock group Vatra will debut at the festival.

On the official website you can find a detailed overview of all permitted and unauthorized items. To enter the stadium as simply and quickly as possible, and to keep the safety of all visitors at the highest level, follow the rules for the prescribed size and the type of bag for entry. Although the organizers advise not bringing a bag to the festival, if it is necessary, it must be plastic and transparent and not larger than 33x43 cm. Small clutch bags and fanny packs will be allowed. Professional photos and video cameras are banned, but can be taken with GoPro and other action cameras. Any kind of flammable substances, sprays, alcoholic drinks and foods, lasers, large chains, water pistols, face masks, and any other kind of illegal substances are strictly prohibited on the festival grounds.

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

The organizers of the Ultra Europe festival, which will be held in Split for the seventh time in a row from July 12 to 14, 2019, held a coordination meeting with Split Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara, his associates and representatives of the city utility companies and emergency services, all to ensure the readiness for the upcoming international event, reports Splitski Dnevnik on July 11, 2019.

They concluded that year after year, the city and emergency services function excellently and are a good team that is ready to meet new challenges. It was especially demanding this year when notice of the new festival location was announced just a few weeks ago. 

There was also talk about traffic solutions, increased firefighting, police, and emergency assistance staff. Then, the meeting discussed additional bus lines and cleaning the stadium and contact zones after the festival. The meeting concluded that all the services are fully prepared. Marin Grubišić, on behalf of MPG Live, the organizer of Ultra Europe, was grateful for the cooperation and support of the City and utility companies around the entire project.

Representatives of MPG Live also reported that they were in constant contact with the nearest neighbors of Park Mladeži with whom they found solutions to numerous questions and concerns in order to ensure their days would function as normal. The organizers said they are pleased with the degree of cooperation with the citizens of Split, especially those who live in the immediate vicinity and concluded that there is a positive climate around this year's Ultra and they believe that three days of good entertainment and an excellent image of Split will be expected for the seventh time.

You can find the Promet bus timetables for Ultra below.

From Friday to Saturday 12/13.07.2019

– 3 Lovrinac – Brda at 24:00 

– 3 Brda – Lovrinac at 00:15 

– 9 R. njive – trajektna luka – R.njive at 24:00 

– 17 Spinut-Trstenik-Spinut at 24:00 

– 37 Trogir – Split at 01:00 and 03:00 

– 37 Split – Trogir at 02:00

- reinforcement of line 37 from Resnik as needed 

From Saturday to Sunday 13/14.07.2019

– 3 Lovrinac – Brda at 24:00

– 3 Brda – Lovrinac at 23:45 

– 9 R. njive – trajektna luka – R.njive at 24:00 

– 17 Spinut-Trstenik-Spinut at 24:00 

– 37 Trogir – Split at 01:00 and 03:00 

– 37 Split – Trogir at 02:00 

- reinforcement of line 37 from Resnik as needed 

From Sunday to Monday 14/15.07.2019

– 3 Lovrinac – Brda at 24:00 

– 3 Brda – Lovrinac at 23:45

– 9 R. njive – trajektna luka – R.njive at 24:00 

– 17 Spinut-Trstenik-Spinut at 24:00 

– 37 Trogir – Split at 01:00 and 03:00 

– 37 Split – Trogir at 02:00

- reinforcement of line 37 from Resnik as needed 

– night line 40 Tr. luka – HNK – Kila at 00:00, 01:00, 02:00, 03:00 and 04:00 

Additional regular line departures in the morning during Ultra Europe for Saturday 13.07.2019, Sunday 14.07.2019, and Monday 15.07.2019 are according to the following:

– 3 Lovrinac – Brda at 04:30 

– 3 Brda – Lovrinac at 04:30 

– 6 HNK – Kila at 04:50 

– 8 Zvončac – Žnjan at 05:00 

– 9 Trajektna luka – R.njive Saturday and Sunday at 05:00 and Monday at 04:40 

– 15 Trajektna luka – Duilovo at 04:40 

– 17 Spinut – Trstenik – Spinut at 04:30 

– 18 HNK – Brnik at 04:30 

– 25 Split – Stobreč at 04:40 

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

June 29, 2019 - Ultra Europe, as you already know, will leave Poljud and move to the Park Mladeži stadium this year. Since it’s been the talk of Split this week, Ultra Europe’s main man Joe Bašić, the owner of MPG Live, has finally sat down for an interview to discuss the new chapter for the massive electronic music festival in Split. 

Namely, Bašić sat down with Slobodna Dalmacija to run through the stadium and auxiliary grounds, answer the concerns of Split citizens, discuss security, and address how adequate the new space is for such a manifestation. 

So, why is the public concerned that the new location isn’t suitable for this event?

“Because people have not experienced it yet. I brought the best foreign and local experts who worked with the world's greatest spectacles and they said that this space was ideal. And when we say space, we are talking about the main stadium, a few terrains around the stadium and a large lawn, as well as part of the Turkish Tower. This is a huge area in the city center that is not well utilized. We've been reviewing and analyzing all of this for weeks, and professionals who work on the biggest projects said that the space, with some modifications, is great for Ultra. That’s when we officially went out to the public with the news.” 

And what do the US owners of Ultra have to say?

"Everything was approved by the management from Ultra in Miami before we signed the contract. We had to document everything, explain it all to them, and then they checked everything. Do you think Americans would bless an inadequate ground? This is no joke to them, and if something weren’t right, they would tell us to look for another location. Believe me, this is an unused ground that we will, in a few days, with a little bit more effort, turn into a compact whole. You will all be surprised at how good it will look.”

How many people can fit in the stadium and the surrounding area?

“According to the estimates, about 55,000 people. All this together has about 60,000 square meters. The main stage is the same as Poljud, and this year it is even bigger, then we have the Ultra radio stage at the parking lot of the Turkish Tower, which will be open to the public, and then the Resistance stage in the meadow to the left and the UMF stage on the right, opposite the Joker Mall. We have about 25,000 square meters of pure green space, meadows that we did not have at Poljud. So people can sit and drink beer with each other and enjoy one of the three major stages in these three spaces, which are close to each other, and it does not take much time to travel between the Resistance stage to the Main Stage, for example, which was an issue when the festival was organized at Poljud.”

What's the price tag on renting the new location? 

"People think we wanted to move here because it was cheaper. That is not true; we will have the same costs as at Poljud.”

And will they be investing in the space?

“This area is segmented: football, athletics ... We, in agreement with our new partners, want to make it a unique place for sports and events, to make it more modern, more practical. But most importantly, this is the agreement of all partners . So, it's a new part of Split that will be used by both the city and the sports clubs, as well as Ultra. But we do not want to have the exclusive right to this space, and we should open it for other events as well.”

When will work begin for this year's festival?

“We already began. About 1500 people will work in the entire production. Part of it is easier than at Poljud because the whole area is already enclosed by fences and walls, while around Poljud we had to implement complicated fencing.”

The media raised the issue of security this week. 

“We had a meeting with the police. They walked the space with us and were surprised by the potential and size of it, as well as the number of emergency entries and exits, and the number of places that could be used for emergency services. The flow of people will be greater than at Poljud, and thus the safety. As I mentioned, the space is already fenced and it will be easier to secure it.”

And the issue of noise, since many residential buildings are nearby. 

“Many think that the noise was ideal at Poljud. But it will not be anything different here. We will turn to the north, and we have sound experts who will arrange it all. Of course, the music will be heard, but we will do everything to make the tenants of the surrounding buildings feel it the least.”

How are ticket sales going?

“For now, we have sold 15 percent more tickets than last year, which would mean about 45,000 visitors per day, and about 120,000 for those three days.”

Where will the main entrance be located?

“The main entrance will be from Ul. Hrvatske Mornarice and the crossroads leading to the Turkish Tower, and there will be a special entrance for VIPs, emergency services. In the parking lot of the Turkish Tower, there will be ticket booths and other accompanying facilities, and then there will be a large official entrance with security check and bracelet check.”

And the exit?

“The exit will be towards the Joker Mall. When the party ends, they will exit at that second exit, where there will be taxis, buses.”

What will happen with the other entrances, for example, those near Ul. Hrvatske Mornarice and the residential buildings that face the stadium?

"It will all be closed, secured, and no one will have access, so the visitors will not come close to the residential buildings. This will already reduce noise and pressure towards the buildings near the stadium.”

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

June 26, 2019 - Just two weeks before Ultra Europe comes to Split, we finally have official confirmation that the internationally popular music festival is leaving Poljud for Park Mladeži.

“At this point, I can confirm that the ULTRA Europe Festival will be held at the Park Mladeži stadium for the next four years. The new location is more spacious and larger and will allow for the further development of the festival and better visitor experience. The agreement was reached in cooperation with the City of Split and the Public Institution 'Split Sports Facilities', and I believe that we will jointly develop the Park Mladeži into a leading sport and event location in the region. We are opening a new chapter of the ULTRA Europe festival, which will continue to generate many positive changes in the music industry, Croatian tourism, and economy in the coming years,” said Joe Bašić, director of MPG Live, the official organizer of the ULTRA Europe festival.

Recall, since no agreement was signed between Ultra and Hajduk, the festival organizers turned to alternative solutions, and RNK Split’s stadium Park Mladeži (Youth Park) was the first location that came to mind. 

Hajduk often highlighted the destruction of their field after Ultra as one of the biggest problems brought by the festival, which is part of why the two sides couldn't agree. 

Hajduk was looking for Ultra to cover all the costs incurred by the club for holding the festival, and above all to financially cover and secure a new field in time as to not repeat, for example, last year’s catastrophe when the lawn was not brought in on time. The two sides never saw eye to eye. 

More information will be announced on Thursday.

The Ultra Europe festival will be held in Split from July 12 to 14, 2019.

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The beginning of the tourist season in Croatia is also the beginning of the festival season, and according to the already established tradition of Ultra Europe in Split, it couldn’t pass without a bit of drama. 

Whether Ultra will be organized this year at Poljud or the new location of Park Mladeži, is still unclear. The decision is expected by the end of the week, if not sooner, though some of Split’s citizens in the Skalice neighborhood have expressed their concerns, reports Splitski Dnevnik on June 26, 2019.

RNK Split’s stadium Park Mladeži is an ever more likely option; however it is not sitting well with residents of the area. 

"I'm genuinely shocked, and I do not believe this really will happen. I still have hope that it will agree on something else. Because our buildings will not endure the event and everything that comes with Ultra,” said Zdravko from Split.

"Of course it is dangerous; the houses themselves are old. I mean, even when there's a small game, we cannot stay in the house, let alone withstand this. This is madness, I do not know who controls this city; I do not understand it,” said Marija from Split.

Many wonder if Park Mladeži has the capacity for the number of people attending the festival, and on the other hand, how the residents of the surrounding buildings can handle the noise. According to the organizers, an official announcement that will reveal if Ultra will be held at Poljud or Park Mladeži will come sometime this week.

The City of Split is said to be in the process of holding a meeting with the top of the city administration headed by mayor Andro Krstulović Opara, and, among the delegations, Joe Bašić and director of the Public Institution of Sports Facilities Tomislav Borozan. Dalmatinski Portal reports that Ultra was nearly set to be held at Park Mladeži, though the Public Institution was asking for 1.5 million kuna, which the Ultra organizers considered unacceptable.

"The organizers will inform you of the latest news. We are doing everything in our power to maintain this successful festival that has changed the face of tourism not only in our city but Croatia,” said mayor Andro Krstulović Opara.

Recall, since no agreement was signed between Ultra and Hajduk, the festival organizers allegedly turned to alternative solutions, and Park Mladeži was the first location that came to mind. 

Hajduk often highlighted the destruction of their field after Ultra as one of the biggest problems brought by the festival, which is part of why the two sides couldn't agree. 

Hajduk was looking for Ultra to cover all the costs incurred by the club for holding the festival, and above all to financially cover and secure a new field in time as to not repeat, for example, last year’s catastrophe when the lawn was not brought in on time. 

For every unplayed European match at Poljud, Hajduk is forced to relocate (to the significantly smaller stadium capacity in Dugopolje), leaving them with estimated losses of around 1.5 to 2 million kuna, while the price of the new field is between 1.6 and 2.2 million kuna.

"I think that Park Mladeži is not at all suitable for such a big international event. My opinion is that Poljud was created for such events as it promotes our city and the whole of Croatia,” said Suzana from Split.

Maybe the location is still in question, but the festival will go on. Stay tuned. 

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