A newly renovated basketball court has been officially opened in Kapetanski Park in Zadar, marking the completion of a major revitalisation project and creating a new public space for sport, recreation and community gatherings in the heart of the city.
The project was delivered through a partnership between the City of Zadar and the Sunset Sports Festival, with design work by American artist Shelton Hawkins, known for creating basketball court concepts inspired by global icons such as LeBron James and Michael Jordan. The court is located within the Citadel area, part of Zadar’s UNESCO-listed historic peninsula, adding cultural and architectural significance to the project.
The opening ceremony brought together local residents, athletes and public figures, and featured music performances, dance showcases and youth basketball games. The event highlighted the court as a new meeting point for the community, combining sport, urban culture and public space activation in one of Zadar’s most recognisable locations.
City officials said the renovation represents the first phase of a broader redevelopment of Kapetanski Park, with the aim of creating a multifunctional space for sports, cultural events and youth engagement in the city centre.
The opening took place ahead of the fifth edition of the Sunset Sports Festival, which was held in Zadar from 4 to 6 June, bringing together global sports, media and business figures. Among the participants was Alessandro Del Piero, who took part in panels and discussions on the future of sport, alongside a programme featuring international speakers, awards and media productions with global reach.
