CSKA Sofia sets 31 October for first match at rebuilt Bulgarian Army stadium

CSKA Sofia has announced that it intends to play its first official match at the fully reconstructed Bulgarian Army stadium on Saturday 31 October 2026, ending years of playing home fixtures away from its traditional ground in central Sofia, Fakti reported on 24 October.

The opening fixture is the home game against Slavia in round 14 of the First League, scheduled to kick off at 19:30. The club said only the official confirmation from the Bulgarian Football Union was still outstanding and that it had been assured this would arrive by Tuesday 27 October. Ticket sales are due to start immediately after that confirmation.

The club also warned supporters that important finishing works and tests of some of the stadium's systems are still under way and will continue after the match with Slavia. It asked fans for understanding if there are difficulties on the first evening, saying it had worked to bring forward deadlines so that the ground could reopen ahead of schedule.

For Sofia, the return of a top-flight club to a rebuilt stadium next to Borisova Gradina park is more than a sporting event. A modern venue in the city centre can host football matches, concerts and other events, and it creates regular demand for local businesses such as cafes, restaurants, transport services and security firms on match days.

Stadium projects of this kind are also closely watched by sponsors and broadcasters, because better facilities usually make it easier to sell hospitality packages, advertising space and season tickets. How quickly the new ground fills up, and how smoothly the first matches run, will be an early test of whether the investment can generate steady income for the club.

Supporters should follow the club's official channels for the Bulgarian Football Union decision and the start of ticket sales, which are expected in the first days of this week.