Rebuilt Bulgarian Army stadium gets football licence and hosts Crossroads tech conference before first match

The Licensing Commission of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) decided on 27 October 2026 to allow CSKA Sofia to play its home matches in the First Professional League in the 2026/27 season at the reconstructed Bulgarian Army stadium in Borisova Gradina park, Fakti reported.

The commission reviewed the documents submitted, including the report of the BFU stadium commission and the permit for use issued by the regional governor of Sofia. On that basis it accepted that the stadium meets all infrastructure criteria for First League matches and for international matches. The commission said it hoped there would be more such decisions that contribute to better football infrastructure in Bulgaria.

Before the first ball was kicked, the stadium hosted a different kind of event. On 29 and 30 October the venue welcomed the Crossroads conference, which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, technology leaders and innovators from Bulgaria and Europe, Fakti reported. The programme included discussions on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and the future of business, practical workshops, the Startup World Cup, an AI hackathon, an exhibition area and networking.

The official opening of the stadium was set for Saturday 31 October with CSKA's First League match against Slavia. Interest was very high and tickets sold out on 28 October, according to Fakti.

For the stadium's owners, using the venue for conferences as well as football is part of making a large investment pay. Modern stadiums earn money on non-match days from events, hospitality and exhibitions, and a city-centre location in Sofia makes the ground a candidate for business forums and concerts as well as matches.

The licence also matters for the club's finances, since it means CSKA can sell tickets, season passes and hospitality at its own ground rather than renting elsewhere.