Ljudski vrt

Tucked away in the vibrant city of Maribor, Slovenia, lies the historic Ljudski vrt, a football stadium that has become a beacon for sports enthusiasts and a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage. Known in the local language as Stadion Ljudski vrt, which translates to People's Garden, this stadium is not just a sporting venue but a living testament to the history of Maribor and its people.

The Birth of Ljudski vrt

Ljudski vrt's story begins long before it became the home of NK Maribor, the city's beloved football club. The area where the stadium now stands was originally outside the city walls and served as a cemetery for centuries. In 1873, the area was transformed into a public park, giving rise to the name People's Garden. By the early 20th century, it had evolved into a recreational hub for the city, with records indicating that tennis was already being played there by 1901.

During World War I, the area was repurposed as a shooting range, but football soon took root in Maribor after the war. The first recorded football activities in the area date back to the late 1900s, with several clubs, including Marburger Sportvereinigung and SV Rapid Marburg, using the grass fields for their matches. The inaugural football match in the area took place on May 9, 1920, when Rapid played against Slovan from Ljubljana in front of 1,500 spectators.

Construction and Early Years

The official opening of Ljudski vrt as a stadium occurred on July 12, 1952. The initial structure included a fully enclosed main pitch with concrete terraces and seats on the west side. By 1958, concrete terraces surrounded the entire pitch, serving as standing areas for spectators. The main grandstand, a striking feature designed by architects Milan Černigoj and Boris Pipan, was completed in 1962. This grandstand, with its iconic concrete arch, is now protected as an architectural and historical landmark by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia.

NK Maribor, established in December 1960, found its home at Ljudski vrt. The club played its first match at the stadium on June 25, 1961. The stadium's capacity at the time allowed for up to 20,000 spectators, thanks to the extensive concrete standing terraces. Over the years, the stadium saw various renovations, including improvements to dressing rooms and sanitary facilities, especially during Maribor's first season in the Yugoslav First League in 1967-68.

Modernization in the 1990s

The 1990s marked a significant period of modernization for Ljudski vrt. In 1994, the wooden benches on the main grandstand were replaced with plastic seats, and the stadium received its first floodlights. The installation of floodlights allowed for night matches, with the first one played on August 24, 1994, against Norma Tallinn in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

In 1998, the stadium underwent a major transformation, converting the standing terraces into seating areas, making it an all-seater stadium. This change was crucial as Maribor became the first Slovenian club to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stages in 1999. The stadium's capacity was increased to 10,030 seats, and further renovations were made to the VIP area, dressing rooms, and club offices.

The 2008 Reconstruction

The most extensive renovation of Ljudski vrt took place between 2006 and 2008. The City Municipality of Maribor, with support from the Government of Slovenia and the European Union, embarked on a project to modernize the stadium. The first phase, costing around €10 million, involved demolishing and rebuilding the North, East, and South stands, which were completed in 2008. The new stands, with a total capacity of 8,500 seats, were inaugurated on May 10, 2008, in a match against Nafta Lendava, which Maribor won 3-1 in front of a sold-out crowd of 12,435 spectators.

West Stand Renovation

The West Stand, a critical part of the stadium, underwent significant renovations between 2020 and 2021. The refurbishment included replacing all seats, adding new underground corridors, elevators, camera platforms, and entrances. The iconic arched roof was preserved, maintaining its original appearance. The renovated stand now boasts a capacity of 3,265 seats, including 651 VIP seats. The total capacity of Ljudski vrt was adjusted to 11,709 seats.

In May 2022, the West Stand was renamed the Marcos Tavares Stand, in honor of the club's longtime captain and top goalscorer. This renovation also saw the completion of previously unfinished premises under the North and South stands, adding new dressing rooms, a media press center, and facilities for the football academy.

Hosting International Matches

Ljudski vrt has not only been a fortress for NK Maribor but also a stage for international football. The stadium has hosted numerous matches of the Slovenian national team, including a memorable 2010 FIFA World Cup play-off match against Russia, which Slovenia won 1-0. The stadium has also been a venue for prestigious tournaments like the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2012 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2021.

In conclusion, Ljudski vrt is more than just a football stadium; it is a cultural and historical landmark that embodies the spirit of Maribor. With its rich history, modern amenities, and passionate fanbase, it continues to be a cherished venue for both local and international football events. Whether you're a football enthusiast or a history buff, a visit to Ljudski vrt promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Slovenia.