Historic construction of the eastern stand begins with cornerstone laying

In the presence of fans, management and legends of FK Željezničar, government representatives, and members of the NS/FS BiH, the cornerstone was laid, officially marking the start of construction of the eastern stand of Grbavica Stadium, the Club announced, Patria reports.

The ceremonial event of the start of stand construction was attended by fans, numerous legends of FK Željezničar, members of the Club's management, sponsors, government representatives, members of the Association, as well as coach Mehmed Baždarević. The attending media were addressed by the member of the Board of Directors, Almir Hadžiosmanović, and the legend of FK Željezničar, Mišo Smajlović. After their addresses, Mišo Smajlović unveiled the cornerstone, and then fans symbolically "grabbed" the shovels.

– We are proud that after a long time and much invested energy, we have finally reached the moment when we officially begin the construction of the eastern stand of Grbavica Stadium. This is certainly a historic day for our Club, and we are glad that we are continuing the tradition of many Željo supporters who were here before us. This is our generational project, and thank you to everyone who helps us in this - said Almir Hadžiosmanović, member of the Board of FK Željezničar.

– I grew up here. I was a child and had the pleasure of playing here and being present all the time. Now I have lived to see this moment when the Stadium begins to get the look that Željo deserves. I hope it doesn't stop here, that construction will continue further. The City of Sarajevo and especially Željezničar deserve a big stadium. It is time for our Club to play European matches on its own turf, and it would also be good for the national team to return to Sarajevo, said Mišo Smajlović - legendary striker of FK Željezničar.

The eastern stand will have a capacity of 4,650 seats, and construction will be completed by the start of the spring part of the season. Continuing history, this time too it is the fans who are building the stand, this time through a project of ten-year tickets.