Stadionul Dinamo – historical stadium description

What was the former Dinamo Bucharest stadium like in brief?

Construction of Dinamo Bucharest’s stadium began shortly after the club was founded, with the venue officially opening in 1951. The stadium featured an athletics track and oval-shaped stands, which were higher on the western side. After the installation of seating, the stadium had a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators.

The stadium was part of a larger sports complex that included an indoor hall, a velodrome and swimming pools. At the entrance to the complex, visitors were welcomed by monumental sculptures and fountains.

During the years spent playing at this stadium, Dinamo won 18 national championship titles, establishing itself as one of the leading football clubs in the country.

Although the venue underwent renovations in the early 21st century, its condition increasingly fell short of modern standards. Ultimately, with government support, it was decided that a new, football-specific stadium would be built on the same site. Construction works began in early 2026 and are expected to last three years.

When was the former Dinamo Bucharest stadium built?

Plans to build a stadium for Dinamo Bucharest were made shortly after the club’s founding in May 1948, with construction works starting later that same year. The new venue was inaugurated on 14 October 1951 with a match against Locomotiva Timișoara, won by Dinamo 1–0.

What is the history of the land on which the Dinamo Bucharest stadium was built?

The stadium was located on Ștefan cel Mare Street. The land on which it was built had previously formed part of a boyar estate, and the future stadium site had once been occupied by a sand pit used for brick production.

During the First World War, the estate was taken over by a bank. The plot was later purchased by the Societatea Anonimă Română pentru Încurajarea Calului de Trap și Obstacole (TROB), which constructed a hippodrome on the site.

In the 1930s, the hippodrome was acquired by the city and converted into a cycling track. After the Second World War, a decision was taken to build Dinamo’s stadium on this site.

Who did the Dinamo Bucharest stadium serve?

The stadium primarily served Dinamo Bucharest. During the period in which the club played at this venue, Dinamo won 18 Romanian league titles, placing the team among the very top clubs in the country, surpassed only by Steaua.

The stadium also hosted European cup matches, with Dinamo recording victories against teams such as Inter Milan, Panathinaikos, Sporting CP and Everton.

In addition, the venue hosted two friendly matches of the Romanian national team: on 11 October 2003 against Japan (1–1) and on 19 November 2008 against Georgia (2–1).

What did the Dinamo Bucharest stadium look like?

The stadium featured an athletics track surrounded by oval-shaped stands, which were higher on the western side. The venue underwent renovations in the early 21st century, but its condition increasingly fell short of modern standards. After the installation of seating, the stadium had a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators. The stadium was also equipped with floodlight masts.

The stadium was part of a larger sports complex, which included an indoor hall, swimming pools, a cycling track, tennis courts and additional training pitches.

At the entrance to the complex, visitors were welcomed by a small square featuring a statue of Ivan Patzaichin, a multiple Olympic medalist in canoeing, as well as a distinctive arched gate building. After passing through the gate, supporters walked past fountains and further sculptures of athletes on their way to the stadium.

What was the Dinamo Bucharest stadium commonly known as?

The stadium was widely associated with the name of the street on which it was located – Ștefan cel Mare. Another well-known nickname, “Groapă” (“the pit”), referred to the stadium’s location in a natural depression of the terrain.

What were the final years of the Dinamo Bucharest stadium like?

For many years, the stadium had been in poor technical condition and no longer met modern standards. Dinamo Bucharest continued to play its home matches there until 2022, when the venue was deemed no longer compliant with league requirements.

Dinamo’s final match at the old stadium was the second leg of the Liga I relegation play-off, played on 29 May 2022 against Universitatea Cluj. The match ended in a 1–1 draw, which, following defeat in the first leg, resulted in Dinamo’s first-ever relegation from the top division.

The stadium continued to be used thereafter, including by the football team associated with the multi-sport club CS Dinamo. The team’s final match at the stadium, played on 4 June 2025 against ACS Vedița Colonești (1–1), resulted in promotion to Liga II.

When was the Dinamo Bucharest stadium closed?

Discussions about the need for a new stadium for Dinamo had been ongoing for many years. Ultimately, with government support, it became possible to build a modern, football-specific stadium to replace the old venue.

The construction site was officially handed over to the contractor on 19 January 2026, and a farewell ceremony for the old stadium was held the following day. Works began with the demolition of the existing structure. The new stadium is expected to be completed within three years, in early 2029.

The design of Dinamo Bucharest’s new stadium and updates on its construction can be found on separate subpages