the Oranje discovers Marakana: tips for Rajko Mitic Stadion in Belgrade

The Netherlands national team, better known as the Oranje, will play on September 27 against host nation Serbia at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in the heart of Belgrade. It is the second match of the UEFA Nations League, and the stadium offers 49,167 seats.

Nicknamed Marakana, the Rajko Mitic Stadium is known for its imposing atmosphere. Located in the centre of Belgrade, the stadium lies just fifteen kilometres west of Nikola Tesla Airport. It is the home of Red Star Belgrade, and from the air the stadium of arch‑rival Partizan Belgrade is also clearly visible, only 650 metres further towards the centre.

‘There you will be, supporters,’ says Jovan Kliska from the main stand, as he points to the right‑hand side of the massive stadium where 49,167 spectators can find a seat. He hopes that the area behind the goal, with only red seats, will be completely filled with the Oranje fans. On the South stand there is room for 2,500 supporters, who normally host the away fans.

How to get to the stadium

The Rajko Mitic Stadium is immediately visible upon landing at Nikola Tesla Airport, after which a short fifteen‑kilometre drive leads to the city centre. Public transport in Belgrade is free, so many visitors take bus line A1, although a small fee is requested here. In addition, lines 72 and 600 take you directly to various parts of the city, including the centre.

Jovan Kliska advises to come on foot: from Slavija Square it is a fifteen‑minute walk, and from Republic Square the walk takes about half an hour. Most hotels, cafés and restaurants are located in the immediate vicinity, while parking options nearby are scarce.

Veteran referee Marciniak awaits the Netherlands in Belgrade

Fan shops and museum

To the left of the stadium’s main entrance is the official fan shop of Red Star Belgrade, open from nine to nineteen o’clock on weekdays and from ten to seventeen o’clock on Saturday. Directly next to it is the ultra fan shop Butik Delije, which offers a wide range of shirts, scarves and banners, also from other clubs. In the office building on the north side there is another fan shop where cups and medals can be found, managed by the successful judo department.

On the first floor is the FC Crvena zvezda Museum, open from nine to sixteen o’clock on weekdays and from nine to fifteen o’clock at the weekend. A guided tour costs about seventeen euros, including access to the stadium tour; the entrance fee amounts to roughly five euros, or 2,000 Serbian dinars for the full experience.

Alcohol policy and practical tips

During all matches at the Rajko Mitic Stadium a strict alcohol ban is in effect, both inside and in the immediate surroundings. Non‑alcoholic drinks are available and the prices are considerably lower than in the Netherlands, although converting Serbian dinars to euros remains a challenge.

Kliska recommends visiting the stadium a day before or after the match to soak up the atmosphere, as the combination of passionate the Oranje fans and the lively Serbian supporters promises an unforgettable evening.