Stadion Georgi Asparuhov – design description

What does the redevelopment project of Levski Sofia’s stadium look like in brief?

Levski Sofia’s new home is to be built on the site of the existing Georgi Asparuhov Stadium. The project envisions the construction of a modern, football-specific venue meeting UEFA Category 4 requirements.

The new stands will accommodate nearly 25,000 spectators (domestic capacity) and will be fully roofed. The design also includes club office space, a museum, and a distinctive facade. The estimated cost of the investment is €120 million, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2027 and last approximately two years.

The concept was developed by IPA, the architectural firm that previously designed the new stadium for Levski’s “eternal rival”, CSKA Sofia. The new concept comes a decade after the first, unsuccessful attempt to redevelop the stadium, when only a new main stand was partially completed.

What is the current Georgi Asparuhov Stadium like?

Georgi Asparuhov Stadium was opened in 1963 and has served Levski Sofia ever since. The club is one of the two (alongside CSKA Sofia) most popular and successful football teams in Bulgaria.

The venue originally had an elliptical layout, with large embankments forming a continuous ring of stands around the running track and pitch. Since 1986, the stadium has been equipped with floodlight masts.

When was the new main stand at Levski Sofia’s stadium built?

The first full redevelopment concept for the stadium was presented in December 2012. It envisaged a phased replacement of the old stands with new structures, ultimately creating a modern, football-specific venue.

Construction began in 2013 with the new main stand. It was expected to be completed by May 2014, in time for the club’s centenary, while the entire project was scheduled for completion by 2017.

However, the works encountered difficulties, and the new main stand was only opened in 2016, without the planned roof and decorative facade. The investment was not continued afterwards, although the intention to complete it was never fully abandoned. With the new main stand, the stadium – commonly known as “Gerena” – has a capacity of 25,000.

When was the new redevelopment project of Levski Sofia’s stadium presented?

On 24 April 2026, Levski Sofia held a press conference during which the club’s new owner, Atanas Bostandjiev, was announced, alongside the presentation of the new stadium redevelopment project.

The concept was designed by the architectural firm IPA – the same company responsible for the new CSKA Sofia stadium (under construction since 2024).

It is worth noting that just a few days after the presentation, on 2 May 2026, Levski secured its first Bulgarian league title in 17 years.

What does the redevelopment project of Levski Sofia’s stadium include?

The plan envisages a complete reconstruction of the stands of the existing Georgi Asparuhov Stadium, including the demolition of the recently built main stand. The venue is set to be transformed into a modern, football-specific stadium meeting UEFA Category 4 requirements.

The new design features a compact, fully enclosed bowl with a continuous roof covering all spectator areas and a distinctive facade. The new main stand will include extensive facilities such as club offices and a museum.

The stadium’s capacity will be 24,718 for domestic matches and 23,032 for international fixtures, while for concerts the venue will be able to accommodate up to 38,700 spectators. The ultras will remain in their traditional home behind the southern goal (Sector B), while away supporters will be located in the north-eastern corner.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027 and is expected to last approximately two years. The estimated cost of the investment is €120 million.