Croatian music icon Marko Perković Thompson is set to perform a massive concert in Sinj following his record-breaking show in Zagreb.
With over 100,000 tickets already sold, the Sinj Hippodrome event promises to be a patriotic spectacle tied to the 30th anniversary of Operation Oluja.
Here’s everything you need to know about the concert, logistics, and local celebrations.
After the Magnificent Zagreb Concert, Thompson Heads to Sinj
Following the magnificent concert by Marko Perković Thompson at the Zagreb Hippodrome, attended by half a million people – a new world record for ticket sales – preparations have begun for another concert by this mega-popular Croatian singer in Sinj.
Ticket Sales Already Booming
Tickets have once again sold rapidly. Approximately 150,000 tickets were released for sale, and over 100,000 have already been sold.
The concert will take place at the Sinj Hippodrome on Monday, 4 August, the evening before the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the military operation Oluja, which is commemorated on 5 August – also a national holiday in Croatia, the Day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving.
Alka and Local Festivities to Coincide
That weekend, Sinj will also be celebrating Alka, a traditional festival whose highlight falls on Sunday, 3 August.
The town will be filled with guests and tourists, as well as locals who traditionally return to their homeland during this time of year.
Stage Covered in Case of Rain
All equipment necessary for the concert has already been transported to Sinj, with the new addition being a covered stage in case of rain.
Media reports indicate that accommodation is still available in Sinj and the surrounding areas, leading to the conclusion that most visitors will likely travel to the town by car on the day of the concert.
Buses from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Police Preparations
Numerous buses from Bosnia and Herzegovina have also been announced.
The police are preparing for the concert as well. Their senior officers have already held the necessary meetings with local authorities, and it has been agreed what measures need to be taken and how many police officers will be deployed to assist in Sinj.
Traffic Flow a Key Focus for Authorities
It has been concluded that the main focus will be on traffic – ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles and people – both on the day of Alka and on the concert day itself.
The police have additionally announced that the website of the Split-Dalmatia County Police Department will regularly publish all important information and recommendations related to the concert.
Hippodrome Prepared for Massive Crowd
The entire Hippodrome area, which covers 14.2 hectares, will be accessible to visitors with tickets.
The grass has been mowed, and the hay has been baled into round bales which will be removed. A grandstand will be installed, and VIP ticket areas have already sold out.
Access to the Hippodrome by car will not be possible.
City to Become a Giant Fan Zone
As a large number of visitors likely won’t be able to enter the Hippodrome, drinking water taps will be installed at several locations around the town, and the whole of Sinj will become a fan zone.
Catering services have agreed to prepare food on a much larger scale than usual, ranging from roast piglets and lamb to other dishes.
Camping Option Considered for Early Arrivals
There is also talk of possibly allowing camping in the City Park so that those arriving the day before – who are interested – do not have to spend the night in the open air.
A 36-hectare area near the Piket sports airfield will serve as a car park. “It will be the largest gathering in the history of Sinj and the entire Cetina region,” proudly stated the Mayor of Sinj, Miro Bulj.
Mayor Calls for Mutual Respect and Safety
Bulj had previously sent a message to all attendees: “I urge everyone to take care of one another.
I sincerely hope that everything regarding safety will go as well as it did in Zagreb, and that in the end, we will all be happy and satisfied,” said the Mayor of Sinj.
There is no doubt that this will be another patriotic spectacle.
