March 5 – The Municipality of Plovdiv has launched a public procurement procedure for the renovation and reconstruction of Maritsa Stadium, home to one of the city’s oldest football clubs, FC Maritsa.
The project, valued at approximately €3.29 million, marks a significant step forward in modernising the city’s sports infrastructure and is overseen by Deputy Mayor Nikolay Buhalov.
The tender covers two distinct phases, each targeting different aspects of the stadium’s ageing facilities. Together, they are expected to deliver a fully upgraded sports venue capable of meeting current standards for professional football matches and training sessions.
The first phase of the project focuses on the complete renewal of the main football pitch. Plans include the installation of a new natural grass surface, accompanied by a modern drainage system and an automated irrigation network. This foundational work is essential to ensure that the playing surface meets the technical requirements expected at a competitive level.
The budget allocated for the first phase stands at approximately €829,000 euros. The majority of this funding has been secured through Bulgaria’s National Programme for Shared Financing of Capital Sports Projects for 2024, financed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
This initial phase also includes the demolition of several redundant structures on the western side of the stadium plot — a total of 14 buildings — which will be cleared to make way for the construction of a new western stand.
The second and significantly larger phase of the project is estimated at around €2.47 million and focuses on the reconstruction of the stands and the construction of new supporting facilities.
At the time of the tender announcement, €1.67 million euros has already been secured following a decision by the Council of Ministers dated 15 January 2026. However, a remaining portion of roughly €798,000 is still without confirmed funding.
The reconstruction plans for this phase include modernisation of the tribune structures, with improvements intended to enhance both safety and spectator comfort. The new configuration is expected to bring the stadium in line with current football infrastructure standards, making it suitable for top-tier domestic competition.
The investment in Maritsa Stadium has been a topic of discussion in Plovdiv for several years. The club, founded in 1921, donated the stadium to the Municipality of Plovdiv some time ago, and the facility has long been in need of significant investment.
Maritsa Stadium is not only used for official matches but also serves as a training ground for hundreds of young footballers from the club’s youth academy — a fact that has been repeatedly highlighted by municipal officials when making the case for funding.
Back in 2024, the municipality had already taken preliminary steps by launching a procurement procedure for the redesign of the stadium, and later that year it applied for a 2-million-lev grant from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to fund partial upgrades and the delivery of new seating. The current tender represents the most comprehensive effort yet to transform the venue into a modern sports facility.
With the public procurement now officially underway, attention turns to the selection of a contractor and the timeline for construction. If the process moves forward without significant delays, Plovdiv could see one of its most historically significant football venues substantially transformed in the coming years — not just for the benefit of FC Maritsa, but for the wider local sporting community.
The project reflects a broader trend in Plovdiv, where several football stadiums are currently undergoing or have recently completed major renovation works, as the city continues to invest in its sports infrastructure.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at [email protected]