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Split is a city of sports, arts, rich history and heritage. But Split is a city of youth, too, a city of great heart,
splendour and beauty. One of its beauties, actually called a "beauty" by the temperament people of Split, is the Poljud Beauty: the city stadium, built in 1979, in the beautiful part of the
city, Poljud. Appearing splendid, designed like a sea shell, as if it were there since ancient times it fits the Mediterranean views, almost reached by the sea waves. Architecturally, it is a
structure that makes part of the world's highest standards by its functionality and technical qualities, equalling stadiums world-wide. Here took place numerous events, gatherings of Mediterranean
sportsmen, athletic records, here Hajduk hosted great European and world football teams. Here fans supported, rejoiced, but also resented, since Split has temperament supporters, open and defiant in
the Mediterranean way. Here is the famous Torcida, the Hajduk's devoted follower in victory and defeat alike. It is a magic stadium, illuminated by 630 lights, at night appearing like a space ship
that has just landed. It is said to be one of the best illuminated stadiums in the world. So, "from shell to ship", the stadium was built in 1979, as a venue of the 8th Mediterranean Sports
Games. It was a demanding sports event that won repute of a sports event of the top category. The Games are also recorded by new sport venues, especially by the stadium that was described as a
"miracle" then. Indeed, it attracted looks of both curious passers by and experts. Its author, Prof. Boris Magaš. Ph.D., has created a magnificent concrete structure that fascinates by the
span of the semi-domes that cover its eastern and western grandstands. There are 27,982 seats in the stadium (excluding the north standing grandstand). When the north part of the grandstand seats are
furnished with seats, the seating capacity of the Poljud Beauty will be about 35000. It is hard to describe the feeling of the boiling Poljud, it is to be experienced, with the immortal Hajduk, of
course.
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