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CSKA Sofia Bulgarian Army Stadium reconstruction

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-24 18:05 UTC → 2026-10-25 13:11 UTC · added removed

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. While the club has not yet set a specific date for the inaugural match, options include domestic fixtures against Slavia Sofia or potential European matches, such as a UEFA Conference League game against Trabzonspor, pending necessary approvals. An official opening match has now 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. CSKA Sofia has confirmed the October 31, 2026, date for the first official match, describing the return as a ‘long-awaited dream becoming a reality’. This event marks Technical Director Mikhail Alexandrov stated that documentation is complete and the club’s first official match at club is currently awaiting final licensing from the venue since December 10, 2023. To ensure readiness for international play, UEFA representatives are Bulgarian Football Union, which is expected within one to inspect the two days. The renovated facility during the Slavia match is designed to evaluate if it meets standards meet UEFA Category 4 standards. Regarding the venue's potential, Alexandrov noted that UEFA officials inspected the site for hosting European club competitions. A successful inspection could allow CSKA to host upcoming Conference League European matches, such citing the stadium as a model for European clubs with capacities under 20,000. Club legend Stoycho Mladenov commented on the fixture against Trabzonspor, at their home ground. Ticket sales are expected to commence following confirmation from stadium's impact, noting that the Bulgarian Football Union, with new acoustics and fan density will create an intense atmosphere, acting as a phased release starting October 27 ‘12th player’ for season ticket holders, followed by fan card holders on October 28. the team.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-25 13:11 UTC CSKA Sofia Bulgarian Army Stadium reconstruction
  2. 2026-10-24 18:05 UTC CSKA Sofia Bulgarian Army Stadium reconstruction
  3. 2026-10-24 17:45 UTC CSKA Sofia Bulgarian Army Stadium reconstruction
  4. 2026-10-20 14:03 UTC CSKA Sofia Bulgarian Army Stadium reconstruction
  5. 2026-10-08 05:26 UTC CSKA Sofia Bulgarian Army Stadium reconstruction

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