Gradski stadion Dubočica – stadium description

How did the construction of the new stadium in Leskovac come about?

The architectural concept of the new stadium in Leskovac can be seen on a separate subpage

Plans for the construction of a new stadium in Leskovac were made as early as 2018. The construction of the stadium was made possible thanks to funding from the government's sports infrastructure improvement programme. The acceptance of the plan for implementation was announced in September 2019, during the visit to Leskovac of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Renderings of the new facility were also released at that time.

In parallel with the stadium in Leskovac, similar investments were also to be made in Loznica and Zaječar.

The tender for the construction was announced in October 2020, and the contractor was selected in December of the same year. Implementation of the project was entrusted to a consortium led by GAT d.o.o., which also included AB & CO d.o.o., PRO-ING d.o.o., Tehno inženjering, FMS Kvart d.o.o. Petrovac, Securiton d.o.o. Beograd, Enterijer Moša SRB d.o.o. Novi Sad, Premijus d.o.o., DHC Inženjering d.o.o. Novi Beograd and EX BC d.o.o. Beograd. The value of the contract was 2.466 billion Serbian dinars.

How did the construction of the new Dubočica stadium proceed?

A coverage of the construction of the new stadium in Leskovac can be seen on a separate subpage

The new facility was to be built on the site of the existing city stadium (stadion pod Hisarom), with a slight shift of the pitch towards the east. Demolition of the old stadium began in March 2021 and the actual construction started in the summer of the same year. Due to the works, GFK Dubočica's players first moved to a pitch in Vlasotince, 20 km away from the city, and from the new season their temporary home until the new arena was completed was Sportski centar Orion in the nearby village of Mrštane.

The new facility was ready in the summer of 2023 (the same year GFK Dubočica returned to the second league tier and also celebrated their centenary). On August 14, 2023, a test match for youth teams was played at the stadium, during which the VAR system was tested, as well as the floodlighting, sound system and other elements. Fans were also able to enter the stands. The ceremonial opening of the stadium and the first official match took place on August 21, 2023, when GFK Dubočica faced RFK Novi Sad in the 3rd league round (2:1).

What are the characteristics of the new stadium in Leskovac?

The new stadium is an incomparably more modern facility than its predecessor. It is also a typical football stadium, without a running track around the pitch. The facility has a rectangular layout, with single-level stands that surround the pitch on all sides. Their capacity is 8,136 spectators and they are fully covered. The first rows of the stands are above the level of the pitch.

The stands are equipped with folding plastic seats in shades of red. The main stand with changing rooms, VIP boxes and other facilities is located on the west side. The stadium has a pitch with heated, hybrid turf and LED lighting (floodlights are placed on the edge of the roof as well as on four masts standing in the corners).

From the outside, the stands are shielded by a distinctive golden façade, whose shape may be slightly reminiscent of that of the National Stadium in Warsaw. A total of 198 parking spaces have been created around the facility. The stadium has high standards. It meets the requirements of UEFA category 4 and is suitable for matches at the highest national level as well as for European club competitions and games of the national teams.

Who does the new stadium in Leskovac serve?

The main tenant of the stadium is the GFK Dubočica Leskovac team. It is very possible that the Serbian national football team will also occasionally play there. In the 2023/24 season, the stadium was chosen by FK Čukarički club from Belgrade as its venue for European competitions matches. The stadium can also host a variety of cultural events.

What is the nickname of the new stadium in Leskovac?

Due to its industrial character and developed textile manufacturing, Leskovac is referred to as the "Serbian Manchester", and the new stadium has earned the nickname "Leskovački Old Trafford" ("Old Trafford of Leskovac") – comparisons to the Red Devils facility are also fostered by the red colour scheme of the seats in the Dubočica stadium.