March 26 – Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia have unveiled plans to build a new stadium, which will cost the club BGN 200 million (€100 million). The new facility, which will be built on the site of the current Georgi Asparuhov Stadium (pictured), will have a seated-capacity of 20,200.
The news was revealed by former Levski Supervisory Board member and club shareholder Petar Ganev, who reviewed the documentation before the club’s General Meeting this week. Additional details about Levski’s plans are expected to be presented at the meeting.Several years ago, Levski began reconstruction of the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium, but only one of the stadium’s stands was built. After the club changed ownership, the project was terminated. According to Ganev, the newly built stand will also be demolished and the project will be started from the very beginning.
However, it is still unclear where the financing for the most expensive football stadium in Bulgaria will come from. More details about Levski’s plans are expected to be revealed this week during the General Meeting of Shareholders.
“There is a detailed investment program – what will be the sectors, the shops, the parking lot, where will be the room for medical personnel. There is a program for expenses, a budget, and how much it will cost. There is a timeline and a sketch of the project. A serious folder with documents. The current stadium will be completely demolished. The new plan is for a stadium with a capacity of 20,210 seats. The total amount for the project amounts to 200 million leva,” said Petar Ganev.
If Levski’s plans are implemented, the club’s new stadium will be the most expensive sports facility in Bulgaria.
Since the beginning of the year, the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium has been under the management of the Sofia Municipality but will be given to Levski on a concession for a period of between 20 and 30 years.
Last year, Levski created a special purpose company to manage the construction of the new stadium.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1742999916labto1742999916ofdlr1742999916owedi1742999916sni@o1742999916fni1742999916