The Georgi Asparuhov Stadium, formerly known as the Vasil Levski National Stadium, is a historic football stadium located in Sofia, Bulgaria. Here’s an overview of its history and development:
1. Early Reconstructions:
– The stadium’s history traces back to the late 1960s when reconstructions began following the merger of Levski and Spartak sports clubs in 1969.
– Major developments and improvements were made over the years to enhance the facilities and meet the evolving needs of the football club.
2. Lighting and Name Change:
– In 1986, a light board was installed at the stadium, and electric lighting towers were erected around it.
– In 1990, the stadium was renamed after the legendary football player Georgi Asparuhov, who tragically died in a car accident in 1971. A monument in his honor was erected in front of the west stand.
3. Renovations and Closures:
– From 1992 to 1998, the stadium underwent significant renovations to meet UEFA requirements for hosting international matches.
– The stadium was temporarily closed during this period to facilitate the renovations.
4. Major Reconstruction (2006 Onward):
– The last major reconstruction of the stadium commenced on June 21, 2006.
– In 2011, sector G underwent renovations, followed by the repair of sector B.
– In 2013, the demolition of sector A began, including the blasting of the massive visor and concrete structure.
– The completely new sector A, with a capacity of 6,000 seats, was opened on April 23, 2016, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Georgi Asparuhov’s son, Andrey.
5. Name Change to “Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov” (2017):
– In 2017, the stadium underwent a name change and is currently known as the “Vivacom Arena Georgi Asparuhov.”
The Georgi Asparuhov Stadium stands as a symbol of Bulgaria’s football history, named in honor of one of the country’s football legends. Its ongoing renovations and improvements demonstrate a commitment to maintaining modern facilities and meeting international standards for football matches.
