24.11.2025 14:06
source: StadiumDB.com; author: Jakub Ducki
The Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina has presented conceptual plans for the construction of a new national stadium in Zenica, which is to be built on the site of the current Bilino Polje. The federation stresses that this is one of the most important infrastructure projects in its history.
New stadium on the site of Bilino Polje
Bilino Polje, opened in 1972, currently holds around 15,000 spectators and has for years served as one of the homes of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team as well as the stadium of NK Čelik Zenica. It is this venue that is to be replaced by a modern national stadium that meets contemporary international standards. The decision to carry out the investment was sealed by an agreement signed in September between the federation and the government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, providing for the construction of a new stadium in the existing location.
According to the federation, the publication of the concept marks the formal start of the project’s implementation. The new stadium is not only intended to replace the ageing Bilino Polje, but also to enhance Zenica’s status as the main football centre in the country.
© Schedule and importance of the investment
The president of the Bosnian federation (NS/FS BiH), Vico Zeljković, announced that work on the concept of the national stadium has been officially completed and now serves as the starting point for preparing detailed documentation. I am pleased to announce that the concept of the national stadium in Zenica, a future infrastructure project of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been completed. On this basis, we will work on the conceptual design and the main project, he said.
The federation expects that the complete project documentation will be ready by August 2026, after which construction work is planned to begin. Zeljković stresses that this is an important, long-term step for the development of football in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The new facility is also to become the new, modern home of the club Čelik Zenica.
© Infrastructure and project financing
The aim of the project is to create a stadium that will provide proper conditions for all national teams – from the senior side to youth and women’s squads – and raise the overall standard of football infrastructure in the country. The federation’s leadership speaks of a significant improvement in training and match conditions, as well as a better experience for supporters.
The issue of financing the investment remains open for now. Zeljković admits that the final model has not yet been defined, but the federation is analysing several sustainable options intended to ensure the full implementation of the project. As he emphasised, NS/FS BiH continues to work ambitiously, planning in a responsible way and is acting ambitiously, systematically and responsibly to see the investment through to completion.