Plovdiv officials address concerns over Lokomotiv Stadium construction

Concerns have been raised by fans regarding large cracks appearing on the newly constructed Central Stand of the Lokomotiv Stadium in Plovdiv. Images circulating on social media show wide openings through the steps and vertical reinforced concrete elements, leading to questions about the structural stability of the facility.

Hakak Sakov, Deputy Mayor of Plovdiv, addressed these concerns by stating that the openings are not cracks but rather planned expansion joints (dilation joints) integrated into the construction project. He explained that these joints are designed to divide the large monolithic structure into three separate sections to allow for movement caused by temperature changes, concrete shrinkage, or seismic activity.

The project specifies two 5-centimeter wide joints that run from the base upward through the structure. According to the municipal administration, these will be professionally treated and filled during the final stages of construction to prevent water or debris from entering.