The government has approved co-financing for three major sports complexes. The investment framework is estimated at 72.7 million euros. State participation has been approved — the announcement gives no specific construction start or reopening dates.
One decision, three different tasks
Split is to be able to renew three important sports complexes. On 9 October 2026, Croatia's government approved co-financing for Gripe, Spaladium Arena and Park mladeži. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the state is providing 54.5 million euros; the entire investment programme is estimated at 72.7 million euros.
The two amounts mean different things. 54.5 million euros is the announced state share, while 72.7 million is the estimated total. The publication is funding news, not evidence of construction already carried out or building contracts awarded.
Renewing Gripe, upgrading Spaladium, rebuilding Park mladeži
Plans for the Gripe sports centre include comprehensive reconstruction, energy-efficiency improvements and modernisation. At Spaladium Arena, structural rehabilitation and technical and safety systems are intended to create the conditions for a return to full operation. The third component is rebuilding the football and athletics stadium at Park mladeži with international standards in mind.
These are three different tasks. In particular, the announced restoration of Spaladium Arena's full functionality does not yet mean events can be booked there. Nor does the joint funding decision imply that work will start or finish simultaneously at all three sites.
The University Games are the occasion; everyday use should endure
The ministry links the investment to the European Universities Games 2028, while also emphasising subsequent use by sport, clubs and the public. This period after the major event is especially important for the city.
A renewed hall is particularly valuable when training schedules, operations and access work reliably over the long term. This is our interpretation of the aim, not an already published use plan. The funding announcement says nothing about individual bookings, admission prices or future events.
What visitors and clubs should watch for next
This announcement gives no specific construction starts, work schedules or reopening dates. Anyone planning a competition, sports hall session or visit should therefore check the relevant organiser's or operator's information, rather than infer availability from the funding amount.
Project-specific decisions, procurement and construction schedules are now of interest for further reporting. They will show which work takes place when and how existing sporting activities are organised in the meantime.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
Time-sensitive information may change. Please check the linked primary source before travelling.
