Stadion Lokomotiv – stadium description

Already in 1970s the sports complex Lauta in south-eastern Plovdiv was equipped with several training facilities. In 1980 construction of a new football stadium began. Elliptical land slope stands were ready in 1982.

A year later the stadium saw its largest crowd ever, when Lokomotiv took on Chernomorets Burgas. 33,000 people were reported inside with some 6,000 not able to get into the stadium.

Once Lokomotiv won their first domestic championship in 2004, part of the north-western curve started collapsing. It required dismantling and capacity was cut to 15,000. With seating being installed between 2010 in 2013, the size fell further.

Demolition of north-eastern curve began in 2013 to make way for a new north stand, this time a rectangular one.

In May 2021, the construction of the new north stand ("Besika"), located just behind the end line of the pitch, began. In autumn 2021, demolition of parts of the southern arch also began, followed by the construction of the new southern stand. In late 2022 and early 2023, the old east stand ("Sportklub") was demolished and construction of a new one began in its place (to be ready for the start of the 2024/25 season at the earliest). The north stand opened in February 2023 and the south stand in October 2023. The reconstruction of the main stand is also planned.