By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet named its practice facility within the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall after the late club giant, Vladimir Cvetkovic.
Friday’s emotional ceremony carried deep meaning for the Zvezda family, taking place just months after the legendary figure passed away on May 6 at the age of 84.
Cvetkovic, widely known as Cvele, dedicated his entire playing career to the Belgrade outfit. In his post-playing days, he went on to become honorary president of the club, cementing his status as an eternal icon.
Модерни тренинг центар КК Црвена звезда Меридианбет у оквиру хале “Александар Николић” добио је у петак 18.09.2026. године и званично своје име.
Тренинг центар је добио име по нашем великану Владимиру Цветковићу.
Много је симболике у овом гесту – Владимир Цветковић је један део… pic.twitter.com/lAijQUfTT3
— KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) September 18, 2026
Now, his name graces the complex housing the gym, medical block, and assembly rooms. The location itself bridges his past achievements with the present. Years ago, Cvetkovic ran the Tasmajdan organization that manages this iconic arena, formerly known as Pionir Hall.
President Zeljko Drcelic, general manager Milan Tomic, sporting director Milos Teodosic, and captain Ognjen Dobric were among several team members attending the ceremony.
During the event, Drcelic highlighted the enduring blueprint. “Vladimir Cvetkovic was perhaps the greatest figure of Crvena Zvezda,” he stated. “By his loyalty, by his visions and views of what the club should look like. And that is what guides us today.”
“The training center may be everything that Cvele was, our glorious past, present, but in everything he did he also looked to the future,” he added, noting the new venue reflects that exact mindset.
“I think there is no better way to preserve the memory of such a man than to have his name on a place where new generations of star basketball players will grow up,” mentioned Mirko Pavlovic, the current director responsible for managing the arena.
This serves as a powerful inspiration as the squad prepares for a demanding 2026–27 campaign across the EuroLeague and AdmiralBet ABA League, ahead of later domestic challenges in Serbian competitions.
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