When we look at modern athletic tracks today, it is hard to imagine that as early as 1950, Sarajevo already had what was then considered a true luxury—a tartan track. Koševo Stadium, today known as Asim Ferhatović Hase Stadium, was built in 1947, and just three years later it was equipped with an athletic track made from the most advanced plastic materials available at the time. This innovation positioned Sarajevo at the forefront of sports infrastructure development in the region.
Koševo Stadium quickly became one of the most important athletics venues in Yugoslavia. Its track was reconstructed in 1966 for the Balkan Athletics Games and expanded to eight lanes, further strengthening Sarajevo’s role as a regional sports hub. Only a few years later, in 1970, the stadium received a modern tartan surface similar to those used today, as part of preparations for the European Cup semifinal in athletics. During this time, Sarajevo hosted national teams from across Europe, confirming its place on the international sports map.
Architectural Innovation and Engineering Excellence
Beyond athletics, Koševo Stadium Sarajevo was also a remarkable architectural achievement. According to architect and publicist Mufid Garibija, the central grandstand built in the mid-1960s featured the largest concrete cantilever structure in Yugoslavia. He recalled that ‘it was strange to see that mass of concrete standing on a cantilever,’ highlighting how unusual and advanced the design was for its time. Even international journalists, including those from England, expressed amazement when visiting the stadium.
The First Modern Stadium Lighting in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In May 1966, Koševo introduced another groundbreaking feature—the installation of electric floodlights. By August of the same year, it became the first stadium in Bosnia and Herzegovina with modern lighting, a distinction it shared in Yugoslavia only with the JNA Stadium in Belgrade. Four towering 46-meter-high structures, equipped with 334 floodlights, transformed Koševo into one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the region.
A Symbol of Unity, Youth, and the Future
The construction of Koševo Stadium carried powerful symbolism. Designed by Anatoliy Kiryakov and Vaso Todorović, the project brought together youth work brigades from across Bosnia and Herzegovina—from Sarajevo to Banja Luka—alongside German prisoners of war. It was not just a construction project, but a collective effort that embodied unity, progress, and a shared vision of the future through sport.
Discover Sarajevo’s Sports Heritage at Planet Sarajevo
Today, Koševo Stadium remains a central part of Sarajevo’s sports identity, holding a special place in the hearts of football and athletics fans. Its rich history is preserved and brought to life at Planet Sarajevo, one of the top museums and cultural attractions in Sarajevo.
Through immersive storytelling and multimedia exhibitions, visitors can explore the development of sports in Sarajevo and understand how venues like Koševo shaped the city’s cultural and social landscape. If you are looking for things to do in Sarajevo, discovering its sports heritage at Planet Sarajevo offers a unique and engaging experience.
Planet Sarajevo is realized with the support of BH Telecom, Sarajevska Pivara, NLB Bank, Kömmerling, as well as the Federal Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the City of Sarajevo.