Fans of PFC Botev Plovdiv waited more than a decade for the inauguration of their new stadium. The construction process, which began in January 2012, encountered numerous difficulties that repeatedly delayed the project.

Construction marked by financial problems

At the end of March 2012, the demolition of Botev's old stadium began, and in 2013, the first construction works for the new facility were initiated. Due to the construction, starting in early 2014, the club played its matches at a newly built training center. Initial plans estimated the stadium would be completed by the end of 2014, but financial challenges caused the work to be delayed by almost a decade. Today, fans can enjoy a modern stadium that is one of the candidates in the Stadium of the Year competition.

In 2014, following the collapse of KTB Bank, whose president was the club's main sponsor, the project lost its funding. The city attempted to save the investment by allocating budget funds, but these were depleted by 2015, halting construction. Ultimately, government support saved the project. In 2020, the state allocated 25 million lev for the completion of the stadium. On December 9, 2020, a contract was signed to finish the construction within two years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused further delays. By late 2022, the roof structures above the stands were installed, and in March and April 2023, the seats were mounted in the stands.

The design of the Plovdiv stadium, along with other venues nominated for Stadium of the Year, can be seen in the video below:

Opening did not mark the end of construction

On April 29, 2023, the Bulgarian stadium was officially opened with a league match in which Botev faced Levski Sofia, losing 0–1. The ceremony was preceded by various events, including performances by dancers in traditional costumes and the laying of wreaths at the monument of Hristo Botev. In the evening, a concert by Stefan Valdobrev welcomed fans with the words Welcome home.

After the opening, the stadium was not yet fully completed. The roof covered only the stands along the pitch, and the external facade was still under construction. Work on the remaining elements was completed in mid-2024. In October of the same year, the club announced that the stadium had received UEFA Category IV certification.

Currently, the PFC Botev Plovdiv stadium has a capacity of 18,777 spectators and features a typical football, rectangular layout. The pitch is oriented north-south and surrounded by single-tier stands. The main stand, equipped with facilities and VIP boxes, is located on the west side, while the ultras section is positioned in the south. The visitors' section is located in the northeast part of the stadium.

All stands are covered, although the roof does not extend to the lowest rows. Modern floodlights are installed under the roof. The stadium’s color scheme reflects the club's colors, with predominantly yellow and black folding seats. The new Kolezha has become a symbol of the determination of the club and its fans, who for years demanded the project's completion with the slogan Kolezha or death.

© Doctor Drone