Stadion Lokomotiv Plovdiv – construction description

How did the changes to Lokomotiv Plovdiv's stadium start?

When Lokomotiv Plovdiv reached for their first and only Bulgarian championship title in 2004, there were problems with the north arch of the stadium, which started to slide. As a result, the western half of the north arch of the stands was demolished.

Completed in 1982, the stadium thus lost its uniform character, while other signs of aging and the lack of a proper athletics track surface made it aesthetically very poor. The upgrades made in the following years did not change much in this respect.

In 2010, the idea was put forward to build a new stand on the north side, which was to be constructed just behind the end line of the pitch. The remaining stands were to be modernized and covered.

In 2013, the second half of the northern arch was demolished, removing the northern part of the stadium's stands altogether. At the same time, four lighting masts were erected in the same year, providing the highest intensity lighting in all of Bulgaria. However, the construction of the new north stand did not begin. During the 2016/17 season, only a small temporary structure was built behind the north goal.

How did the start of the complete reconstruction of Lokomotiv Plovdiv's stadium come about?

In February 2020, the government approved central budget funding for two stadium investments in Plovdiv (in addition to Lokomotiv, support was also given to derby rival Botev, whose neighboring stadium was also being rebuilt, with major problems).

The funding made it possible to resume work on the project. It was decided not to limit itself even to the construction of one new stand and a more ambitious project was presented, involving the reconstruction of all stands in the stadium.

What will the new Lokomotiv Plovdiv stadium look like?

According to the new concept, the facility is to completely change its character and take on a football-specific, rectangular form. A new, free-standing, partially covered (without covering the lower rows) stands will be built at each of the four sides of the pitch. The vision is not to develop the corners. The target capacity of the arena is 14,000 spectators.

How is the redevelopment of Lokomotiv Plovdiv stadium progressing?

Work began in May 2021 with the construction of a new north stand (the so-called 'Besika'), which seats the team's most ardent fans. A museum, club shop and restaurants are planned for the back of this stand. The main contractor was Rudin OOD. The new north stand was opened in February 2023.

In autumn 2021, demolition of parts of the south curve began, followed by the construction of the new south stand, which included a sector for visiting team fans. The stand was inaugurated on October 2, 2023 on the occasion of a league match against CSKA Sofia.

In late 2022 and early 2023, the old east stand (the so-called "Sportklub") was demolished, followed by the construction of the new stand. The stand is expected to be ready for the start of the 2024/25 season at the earliest. The reconstruction of the main stand is still in the planning stages.