Balgarska Armiya Stadium
Sofia, Bulgaria
Formerly: Atletik Park, Stadion Chavdar, Narodna Armia
The Balgarska Armia Stadium sat nestled deep within the Borisova Gradina park. The structure itself was defined by its history, standing on the site of earlier grounds before being rebuilt in 1967.
The seating was close to the field, but the track meant the connection was physical as well as visual. A single floodlight tower rose above the trees at night, casting a bright glare that looked stark against the dark canopy.
The ground was the home of PFC CSKA Sofia, but its identity was tied to the city rather than just one team. A major reconstruction project began in 2024 after the final match in 2023, signaling the end of an era. The old structure, with its capacity reduced over time by safety closures, was being replaced by a new venue designed to meet UEFA standards. The new arena will feature a hybrid surface and solar panels, a stark contrast to the natural grass and older technology of the past. For now, the old stadium remains a quiet presence, its days numbered but its place in the park secure. The name itself, Balgarska Armia, echoes the city’s history, a reminder of the times when the stadium was called Narodna Armia or simply Atletik Park. The current work is about more than just football; it is about replacing a relic with something modern, though the trees and the park will remain unchanged.