Supporters travelling to Plovdiv, Bulgaria for the Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland UEFA Nations League play-off on Thursday, March 20 are advised of the following information.

 The game will be played in the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv.  The address is Hristo Botev Stadium, Iztochen 10, 4017 Plovdiv.   

Gates will open at 19.45 which is two hours before kick-off and a meeting point has been organised to facilitate access to the stadium. This includes free match parking for coaches and cars of visiting supporters. 

The Bulgarian police have also requested that all fans to use the meeting point and fans will be escorted on foot to the away end by the police.  Please note: it is a 2km walk so may not be suitable for some fans.  

The away fans will be in Block D1 and that area has approximately 1300 seats.   

The stadium is 1.8km  from Stefan Stombolov square and also well served by public transport.  Bus 10 (every 30 mins) and Bus 36 (every 15 mins) serve the stadium from the centre.  The bus costs BG 1 (approx. 50 cent) but also, taxis are reasonably plentiful and cheap with no taxi in Plovdiv should cost more than ten euro.      

Important to note however that after the game, fans will most likely have to walk back to the centre.  We request that those who can walk leave the taxis for those who need them.   

We expect most fans to arrive via Sofia airport.  The bus from Sofia to Plovdiv costs approx. ten euro with the train being cheaper.  Some supporters’ clubs have organised private buses and private transfers are also available.   

Plovdiv airport has flights to/from London, Birmingham and Manchester which will suit some fans. It is serviced by Bus 7 to the city centre.  

Accessible seating will be available.  Please contact [email protected] as always for accessible seating for home and away games.    

Some general stadium info: 

1. There are no bag storage facilities at the stadium. 

2. It is against the law to be in possession of pyro in Bulgaria.   

3. Flags and banners can be hung in the Irish section but will be checked on entry. 

4. There will be no fanzone or area for tickletless fans to watch the game.   

5. Drinks and snacks will be on sale in the Irish end 

6. Cash only (Bulgarian lev) will be accepted. 

7. Please note no alcohol will be on sale in the visiting sector of the stadium. 

8. Fans require their original passport or ID document provided to the ticket office (photocopies or photos are not accepted) and their match ticket to access the stadium. 

9. Please note your match ticket does NOT cover any public transport.  Please buy public transport tickets as normal. 

10. A holdback of visiting fans after the game is planned for those in the €10 seats.  We expect this to be 30-60 minutes.  Details will be communicated during the second half.  We have been assured refreshments will remain on sale and access to sanitary facilities will be in place.   

Please note the emergency number in Bulgaria is 112. We recommend having a scan of your passport on your phone and in your email in case it gets lost or stolen.  This will aid having replacement travel documents issued.   

The Irish Embassy is located at Platinum Business Centre (4th floor), 26-30 Bacho Kiro St.1000 Sofia.  Opening hours Mon-Fri 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-16.00.    

If you require consular assistance please call +359 2 985 3425 

If you cannot reach the embassy you can call the DFA Duty officer (24 hours) on +353 1 4082000.  

Please note DFA guidelines on Bulgaria: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/bulgaria/ 

Please remember to behave in a way at all times that reflects the hugely positive image Irish football fans have at home and abroad.