World Stadiums: Stadion Lokomotiv, Sofia, Bulgaria
Stadion Lokomotiv is the home stadium of Lokomotiv Sofia in the Bulgarian capital.
The ground has a capacity of 16,000 with seating for 11,200 spectators, reduced from an earlier capacity of 22,000 after renovations. Other stadiums in Sofia include the Stadion Georgi Asparuhov home of Levski Sofia and the Vasil Levski National Stadium.
Stands & Pitch
The stadium opened in 1985. The pitch size is 105 x 68 meters, featuring a natural grass surface, an athletics track and floodlights.
The stadium was renovated in 2000, 2013 and again in 2021. The distinct concrete crescent-shaped eastern grandstand is a notable feature.
History
Lokomotiv Sofia have played at the ground since its completion in the mid-1980s.
The venue has hosted concerts by bands such as Black Sabbath, Depeche Mode, Iron Maiden as well as Eros Ramazzotti, George Michael, Kylie Minogue and Elton John.
Capacity & Tours
The capacity of Lokomotiv Stadion is now 16,000 for football matches.
No regular public stadium tours are offered for Lokomotiv Stadion outside of matchdays.
Lokomotiv Sofia
Lokomotiv Sofia, nicknamed 'The Railwaymen' were founded in 1929 as Railway Sports Club (RSC) by a group of railway workers.
The original Lokomotiv Sofia won its first Bulgarian championship during the 1939-40 season. In 1945, the club changed its name to Lokomotiv Sofia and won the first post-war national championship.
The club enjoyed further domestic and European success in the following decades, winning another Bulgarian league title in 1964 and reaching the European Cup, where they famously defeated Malmö FF 8-3 on aggregate.
In 1978, Lokomotiv secured its fourth Bulgarian league title, led by legendary players such as Atanas Mihailov, and in 1982 the club won the Bulgarian Cup for the first time in its history and the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup in 1980.
In the modern era, financial difficulties in 2015 resulted in Lokomotiv losing its professional license and dropping down the divisions, but the club reformed as FC Lokomotiv 1929 Sofia and earned promotion back to the First Professional Football League, Bulgaria's top tier, in 2021, where it continues to compete.
The team plays in red and black stripes.
Uses
Lokomotiv Stadion is used for football and concerts.
Access - Getting To Stadion Lokomotiv
Stadion Lokomotiv is situated in the Nadezhda district, north of the center of Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria.
You can reach Lokomotiv Stadium by taking Tram 11 or 12, or Buses 83, 86, and 108, which all stop right next to the venue or within a short walking distance.
Accessibility
The ground offers basic wheelchair accessibility, including an accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom facilities.
Address: NPZ Voenna rampa, 1231 Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
Nearby Hotels
See here for a complete accommodation list of available hotels in Sofia in Bulgaria. The Hotel Via Serdika is a 4-star recommendation in the center.
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