CSKA Sofia – Stadium and Museum Tour – Bulgarian Army

CSKA Sofia are one of the most successful Bulgarian football teams.  The CSKA Sofia stadium is known as the Bulgarian Army stadium.  Reasons to visit the stadium include;

• Take a complimentary tour of the stadium
• Watch a Bulgarian League match
• Easy to visit in central Sofia
• Watch a Europa League match
• Visit the CSKA Sofia cafe and museum
• See the iconic CSKA Sofia team bus

You can walk to the stadium from any centrally located, Sofia hotel.  As you would imagine in a capital city, hotels are a little more expensive than the rest of the country, for this reason you should check airbnb.

Location

The CSKA, Bulgarian Army stadium is located in center of Sofia.  As a matter of fact it’s in the most famous park of Sofia, Borisova Park.  As well as being a huge park full of features, there’s a wooded area with walking trails.  You could call it the Central Park of Sofia!  The nearest metro station is the Vasil Levski Stadium station on the red line.  Don’t be confused by the larger Vasil Levski stadium which is adjacent to this one.

CSKA Sofia Stadium

The Bulgarian Army stadium opened in 1967 after 2 years of construction.  The capacity is around 23,000 spectators.  That includes safe standing areas at each end of the pitch.  Only a small part of the stadium is covered therefore you’ll get wet if it’s raining during the match.  Additionally, there’s a running track around the pitch as with most stadiums in the Balkans.

Players Tunnel

Players who have walked through this tunnel include, Dimitar Berbatov, Martin Petrov, Hristo Stoichkov and Stiliyan Petrov.  All four of these legends went on to make a career in western Europe.  Of course, Stoichkov is one of the most famous Bulgarian footballers of all time, who went on to play for Barcelona.  Berbatov played at both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.  You’re welcome to take a walk down the same players tunnel these legends did.

Pitch Side and Dugout

When there is no game on, tourists have permission to walk around the stadium.  Locals who have seen the stadium a thousand times, utilize the running track to keep fit.  You can sit in the dugout and take pictures as well as take pictures pitch side.  Of course, it’s forbidden to stand on the grass.

Scoreboard and Bathroom Facilities

CSKA Sofia use a historic scoreboard that looks like it has been in use since the stadium opened in 1967.  It’s similar to the scoreboard in the biggest stadium in Bulgaria which is now abandoned.  Additionally, take a look at the portable toilets beside the scoreboard.  If you come to watch a match, I don’t recommend drinking a lot or you’ll have to make several visits to one of these!  Unless of course, you choose the VIP section.

VIP Section

The VIP section is a covered section which features comfy seats, as well as access to restaurants and clean toilets.  Most importantly, you have the best view of the game.  In addition, you’re away from any hooligans which may be in the standing section of stadium!

CSKA Sofia – Museum and Cafe

The museum is officially known as the CSKA Sofia Glory Museum.  In actual fact, it’s a themed cafe full of memorabilia and trophies.  CSKA Sofia have won several trophies including the Bulgarian League which they won consecutively 9 times.  In addition, they’ve won the Bulgarian Cup and Super Cup several times.  As a matter of fact, there are many of these trophies on display in the CSKA Sofia Glory Museum.  Which is your favorite Bulgarian player?  It’s likely he has roots at CSKA Sofia.  Furthermore, it’s likely there is a section of the museum devoted to him.  I chose the Hristo Stoichkov table to enjoy my coffee at.

CSKA Sofia – Famous Players

As well as several trophies on display, there is signed memorabilia by famous players.  As I mentioned, Dimitar Berbatov, Martin Petrov, Hristo Stoichkov and Stiliyan Petrov all had spells at CSKA Sofia early in their careers.  It’s worth investigating the memorabilia on display as there are some impressive signed images from early on in their careers.  Who knows, maybe the next Stoichkov is playing for CSKA Sofia right now!  It’s worth mentioning that the museum staff are extremely friendly and will be keen for you to learn the history of their club.  Where are you from?  Maybe they know a former CSKA Sofia player who has played in your country.

Walk of Fame

In front of the stadium is the CSKA Sofia walk of fame.  There are stars from their greatest players, this is definitely a good selfie location!  Additionally, there’s a wall which explains exactly how many trophies the teams has won and when.  Their European success is also detailed which included 2 European Cup semi finals.  This is a football team with a rich history!

CSKA Sofia – Team Bus

If you’re lucky, the team bus will be parked in front of the stadium.  For me, a picture in front of the team bus was one of the best photo opportunities of the CSKA Sofia stadium tour.  Have you taken the Millwall stadium tour in London?  Millwall FC also park a team bus in front of their stadium.

CSKA Sofia Club Shop

If you’ve enjoyed the stadium and museum tour, you could buy yourself some merchandise.  Maybe you can the merchandise before you take the tour?  As a result you can pose for photos in the stadium or in front of the team bus wearing the club merchandise!  The club shop is located in the park in front of the stadium.

Enjoy the CSKA Sofia Stadium and Museum Tour

I would recommend you visit the museum first, the staff will be happy to see you and may even show you more of the stadium than I saw!  In addition, check the Bulgarian league schedule, there may be a game on when you’re in town.

Check out the Red Star Belgrade stadium in Belgrade, Serbia.