# CSKA Sofia Bulgarian Army Stadium reconstruction > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cska-sofia-bulgarian-army-stadium-reconstruction > Updated: 2026-10-25T11:59:10.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 5. The reconstruction of the Bulgarian Army Stadium has reached significant milestones. Following a state commission inspection, the facility received Act 16, the occupancy permit required for official operation. CSKA Sofia described this as a historic step toward returning to their home ground. As the stadium enters its final preparation phase, maintenance is being conducted on the pitch using specialized artificial lighting systems to maintain optimal temperatures and surface quality. An official opening match has been scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 19:30, featuring a fixture between CSKA and Slavia Sofia. Slavia President Ventsislav Stefanov noted that the club agreed to the schedule change requested by CSKA and praised the quality of the stadium. Alongside the sporting reopening, a new year-round dining venue named ‘The Army’ will open at the facility within Borisova Gradina. Technical Director Mikhail Alexandrov stated that documentation is complete and the club is currently awaiting final licensing from the Bulgarian Football Union, which is expected within one to two days. The renovated facility is designed to meet UEFA Category 4 standards. Regarding the venue's potential, Alexandrov noted that UEFA officials inspected the site for upcoming European matches, citing the stadium as a model for European clubs with capacities under 20,000. Club legend Stoycho Mladenov commented on the stadium's impact, noting that the new acoustics and fan density will create an intense atmosphere, acting as a ‘12th player’ for the team. ## Claims - The Bulgarian Army Stadium will officially reopen on October 31. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The reopening match will be against Slavia Sofia. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The stadium meets UEFA Category 4 criteria. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The club is awaiting a license from the Bulgarian Football Union. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The license from the Bulgarian Football Union is expected within 1-2 days. (corroborated by 2 sources) - UEFA officials inspected the stadium for upcoming European matches. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: CSKA Sofia to reopen renovated Bulgarian Army Stadium CSKA Sofia will officially reopen its renovated Bulgarian Army Stadium on October 31, meeting UEFA Category 4 standards. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-to-reopen-renovated-bulgarian-army-stadium ### 2026-10-23: CSKA Sofia to reopen reconstructed Bulgarian Army Stadium CSKA Sofia will officially reopen its reconstructed Bulgarian Army Stadium on October 31, 2026, with a match against Slavia Sofia. UEFA will inspect the venue to certify it for European competitions. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-to-return-to-reconstructed-bulgarian-army-stadium ### 2026-10-19: Bulgarian Army Stadium to host opening match and new restaurant CSKA's Bulgarian Army Stadium will officially open with a match against Slavia on October 31, alongside the launch of a new restaurant named ‘The Army’. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-army-stadium-to-host-opening-match-and-new-restaurant ### 2026-10-06: Bulgarian Army Stadium enters final preparation phase for opening CSKA Sofia's Bulgarian Army Stadium is in the final stages of pitch preparation. The club is currently evaluating dates for its inaugural domestic and European matches. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-army-stadium-enters-final-preparation-phase-for-opening ### 2026-09-09: CSKA Sofia stadium receives Act 16 for official operation CSKA Sofia's reconstructed Bulgarian Army Stadium has received Act 16, officially allowing the facility to be put into operation after successful inspections. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-stadium-receives-act-16-for-official-operation --- Cite as: CSKA Sofia Bulgarian Army Stadium reconstruction. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cska-sofia-bulgarian-army-stadium-reconstruction