The new Georgi Asparuhov Stadium project envisions the construction of an entirely new football venue on the site of the existing stadium in Sofia, Bulgaria. Developed by IPA - Architecture and more for PFC Levski Sofia, the architectural concept brings together contemporary sports infrastructure, a multifunctional public program, integrated digital technologies, and a landscaped public realm.
The project is being developed in accordance with UEFA Category 4 criteria, together with the additional requirements for hosting matches in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. The planned capacity is 27,826 seats under Bulgarian Football Union requirements and 25,026 seats under UEFA requirements.
The spatial and functional organization is based on the clear separation of different user groups. Spectators, teams, media, officials, VIP guests, and operational staff follow dedicated circulation routes, allowing the individual zones of the stadium to function independently while remaining part of a coherent overall system. This organization is fundamental to the safety, efficiency, and everyday operation of the venue.
Sector A forms the main functional center of the stadium and is organized across five above-ground and two underground levels. It accommodates the principal sports, administrative, media, hospitality, and VIP functions. The program includes a fan shop, museum and exhibition area, restaurant, media center, and a multifunctional hall of approximately 1,275 sq. m. Several of these functions are designed to operate independently from matchday circulation, extending the use of the building beyond football events.
Multifunctionality is therefore a central part of the architectural concept. The stadium is conceived not only as a venue for professional football, but as a building that remains active throughout the year. The fan shop, museum, restaurant, selected public spaces, multifunctional hall, and VIP areas can support conferences, corporate events, supporter gatherings, and other activities. The design also provides the potential to host major concerts.
One of the defining elements of the architectural identity is the digital facade. Conceived as an integrated media system within the building envelope, it allows the visual character of the stadium to respond to different operating modes and events. The system includes an approximately 390-meter panoramic LED ribbon, two large scoreboards measuring 24 by 9 meters, facade-mounted LED screens with a total area of approximately 1,520 sq. m, around 2.5 kilometers of facade lighting, and approximately 100 meters of media facade.
The individual digital components are designed to operate as a coordinated system. Visual content can be synchronized with match scenarios, club campaigns, and other events. The facade therefore performs more than an enclosing role: it becomes an active part of the stadium's architectural identity and spectator experience.
The structural concept is being developed with consulting expertise from SBP, Schlaich Bergermann Partner. The international engineering consultant is involved in optimizing the structural solution and coordinating it with the architectural concept. This collaboration is intended to ensure that architectural and structural decisions develop as an integrated design process rather than as independent systems.
The surrounding public realm is treated as part of the overall architectural and urban concept. Pedestrian routes, landscaped areas, and spaces for recreation strengthen the relationship between the stadium and its immediate surroundings. These outdoor spaces are conceived for use beyond matchdays, extending the activity of the complex into the surrounding area and creating opportunities for everyday use by supporters, visitors, and local residents.
The relationship between matchday and non-matchday use is one of the key principles of the project. During football events, the organization responds to the specific requirements of spectators, teams, media, hospitality, and stadium operations. Outside these periods, independently accessible public and commercial functions allow parts of the complex and its external spaces to remain active.
The architectural identity of the new Georgi Asparuhov Stadium is developed through the relationship between functional organization, structural design, digital facade, and public space. The project combines the requirements of top-level professional football with a broader program intended to support year-round use while maintaining a clear connection to the identity of PFC Levski Sofia and its community.
Construction is currently planned to begin in June 2027.
