Sport
The Eternal Derby: Crvena zvezda vs Partizan
The rivalry fans fly in for: what the football and basketball derbies feel like, the numbers behind them, tickets and staying safe.
Quick answer
The Eternal Derby (Večiti derbi) between Crvena zvezda (Red Star) and Partizan is Belgrade’s biggest sporting event and one of the loudest rivalries in Europe. In basketball the two clubs have met 317 times since 1946, and their EuroLeague derbies fill the Štark Arena (about 19,400 seats for basketball) with non-stop chanting. Fans travel from abroad just for the atmosphere. Buy only official tickets, sit in a neutral area and don’t wear either club’s colours.
Quick facts
- Clubs
- Crvena zvezda vs Partizan
- Basketball meetings
- 317 since 1946
- Record crowd
- 22,198 (Štark Arena, 2023 ABA Finals)
- Tickets
- Official club websites and box offices
- Safety
- Neutral stands, no club colours
- Last checked
- 28 Oct 2026
The basketball derby in numbers
Head to head by competition
Show as table
| Competition | Games | Zvezda | Partizan | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic league | 141 | 63 | 73 | 5 |
| Domestic playoffs | 74 | 31 | 43 | 0 |
| Domestic cups | 24 | 15 | 9 | 0 |
| ABA League | 69 | 36 | 33 | 0 |
| EuroLeague | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| Total | 317 | 148 | 164 | 5 |
All official basketball meetings, including 5 draws from the early league era. Data as of the EuroLeague game of 22 Oct 2026 (Partizan 85–82). Source: Crvena Zvezda–Partizan basketball rivalry, Wikipedia.
Basketball: the derby the world travels for
Indoors the noise has nowhere to go. Both clubs play the EuroLeague, Europe’s top competition, so a derby can decide a playoff place as well as city pride. Expect choreographies across whole stands, drums from tip-off to the final buzzer, and chanting that doesn’t stop during timeouts. Big games are played at the Štark Arena in New Belgrade; smaller domestic games may be at the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall (Pionir).
Both clubs announce derby ticket sales on their official websites, usually about a week before the game, and the best seats go within hours.
Football: flares at the Marakana
The football derby is played at Red Star’s Rajko Mitić Stadium (the Marakana) or at Partizan’s stadium in Humska street. The famous moment comes before kick-off, when the home end lights up with flares and banners.
Pyrotechnics are officially banned and clubs are regularly fined for them, so smoke can delay play. If you have asthma, choose seats away from the fan ends.
Tickets
Buy only through the clubs’ official channels (club websites, arena box office or their official ticket partners). Resale sites often charge far above face value. Derby tickets sell fast; check sales dates a week or two ahead.
Staying safe
- Pick a neutral stand, not the fan ends
- Don’t wear either club’s colours or scarves
- Arrive early: security checks are thorough
- Leave a little early or wait for the crowds to clear
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Tip: Buy only through official club sales. The fan ends are the loudest and rowdiest, so first-timers should choose a side stand, arrive early and leave some time after the final whistle.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Belgrade derby safe for tourists?
In neutral stands, generally yes. Avoid the fan sections and club colours, and follow police instructions after the game.
How many times have Zvezda and Partizan played in basketball?
317 official meetings since 1946 as of October 2026: Partizan has 164 wins, Crvena zvezda 148, with 5 draws.
Where is the basketball derby played?
Big games, including EuroLeague derbies, are at the Štark Arena in New Belgrade.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Rarely for the derby. Watch the clubs’ official websites for sales dates.
Sources
- Crvena Zvezda–Partizan basketball rivalry (Wikipedia)
- KK Crvena zvezda official site
- KK Partizan official site
Checked 28 Oct 2026. Prices and timetables change; confirm before you travel.
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