CSKA Sofia Targets AC Milan and Barcelona for New Stadium Opening
- CSKA Sofia is preparing for the opening of the new Stadion Balgarska Armia, with club figures pursuing high-profile international opponents to mark the occasion.
- The new Stadion Balgarska Armia is being constructed on the site of the former Bulgarian Army Stadium in the center of Sofia.
- The new venue is designed as a football-specific stadium, meaning it will not include an athletics track.
CSKA Sofia is preparing for the opening of the new Stadion Balgarska Armia, with club figures pursuing high-profile international opponents to mark the occasion. Hristo Stoichkov has indicated that negotiations are underway with European giants AC Milan and FC Barcelona to determine who will face the Bulgarian club in the stadium’s inaugural match.
Stadium Development and Specifications
The new Stadion Balgarska Armia is being constructed on the site of the former Bulgarian Army Stadium in the center of Sofia. The project represents a full reconstruction of the facility, following a partnership with Sportfive established in June 2022.
The new venue is designed as a football-specific stadium, meaning it will not include an athletics track. According to available data, the target capacity is 16,021 spectators, though other design specifications have cited a capacity of 18,540 for domestic competitions and 16,819 for European competitions.
The facility is being built to meet the requirements of the 4th UEFA category, the highest standard for stadium infrastructure. The construction cost is estimated at 90 million leva (approximately $50 million or €45 million).
Construction Timeline
The transition to the new stadium began after the last match at the old facility was held on December 10, 2023. Following the closure, CSKA Sofia temporarily moved its home matches to the nearby Vasil Levski National Stadium.
Demolition of the old structure was carried out by Roster OOD, beginning in April 2024 and concluding in the summer of 2024. The actual construction of the new stadium was announced at the end of September 2024, with Glavbolgarstroy serving as the main contractor.
Construction work is expected to be completed in spring 2026. The design of the ground was handled by IPA Architecture and more, with Anton Karavelov and Simeon Ivanov also credited as architects.
Inaugural Match Aspirations
To ensure a prestigious opening, CSKA Sofia is targeting world-class opponents. Hristo Stoichkov has confirmed that the club is in talks with both AC Milan and FC Barcelona. The pursuit of a seven-time European champion for the opening event highlights the club’s ambition to launch the new era of the Army
stadium with a global sporting event.
The strategy of inviting a top-tier European club for the opening is being compared to the approach taken by Manchester United. This move is intended to maximize the visibility of the new facility and provide a landmark event for the club’s supporters.
Historical Context
The original Stadion Balgarska Armia was built in 1965 and opened in 1967. Over the decades, it underwent several renovations in 1982, 1997, 2001, 2015, and 2016. Before the current reconstruction, the old stadium had a capacity of approximately 22,015 to 22,995 seats, depending on the source.
The site is joint-owned by CSKA Sofia and the Bulgarian Ministry of Youth and Sports, each holding a 50% stake. The two entities established a dedicated joint venture in 2023 to oversee the full reconstruction of the stadium after the Sofia municipality granted a full construction permit in October 2023.
The new sports complex will not only feature the main pitch, which uses GrassMaster technology and measures 105m x 68m, but will also maintain its connection to the club’s heritage, including the CSKA Sofia Glory Museum.