Active Bansko: Football passions – from professional camps to a match with friends

You might be surprised, but in the summer you are more likely to see international football stars on the streets of Bansko than skiers. Thanks to its unique climate and altitude, the town has established itself as a preferred summer training destination for elite teams from all over Europe.

But you don't have to be a part of Chelsea or Ludogorets to step on the green carpet. In the sixth part of the series „"Active Bansko"“ We put on our boots and check where fans of the most popular game can rent a court for an unforgettable match.

⚽ Fast facts: Football in Bansko

(Terrains and opportunities)

Where to play? Top locations for amateurs

If you have a company gathering or want to organize a company tournament, here's where you can rent a field:

1. Evrion Sports Complex (Known as the Arenas)

This is the "Mecca" of football in the region, located on the road between Bansko and the village of Banya. The complex has full-size pitches with natural grass that meet FIFA requirements.

• Who is it for: It is mainly used by professional teams for training and controls, but during free hours (and prior arrangement) it can be rented for organized amateur matches on a large field.

• View: You are literally playing at the foot of Pirin Mountain, which makes the feeling unique.

2. Belvedere Holiday Club Complex„

Located in the new part of the city, near the mall, this complex offers one of the best playgrounds for mini football (5+1 or 6+1 players).

• Flooring: High-quality artificial grass with drainage and professional lighting for evening matches.

• Features: The field is part of a gated complex, which provides access to changing rooms, and after the match you can use the swimming pool (during the summer season) for a fee.

• Popularity: This is the favorite place of local amateurs and tourists for evening derbies.

3. St. Peter's City Stadium„

Nestled in the city park, the stadium features an athletics track and an official grass pitch.

• Access: The central pitch is reserved for official matches of the local team "Bansko", but the auxiliary pitches and the area around it are available for training and warm-up.

4. Hotel playgrounds

Some of the large hotels in the region (such as the Piri Hotel on the road to Banya or the Thermo SPA in Banya itself) have their own playing fields, which are also rented out to outsiders.

How to organize a match?

Unlike tennis, where you can just have two people go, soccer requires a little more organization.

1. Reservation: During the active summer season (July-August), when professional teams are here on camps, the schedule of the large fields is full. For mini football (at “Belvedere” for example) it is mandatory to reserve a time a day or two in advance.

2. Prices (Indicative):

   • Mini football (1 hour): 60 – 80 BGN for renting the entire playground (divided into 10-12 people, the amount is symbolic).

   • Large terrain: Prices are negotiable and depend on the ongoing maintenance of the lawn.

3. Equipment: You must wear appropriate clothing and footwear. For artificial grass, we recommend "centipedes" rather than cleats with large spikes to avoid damaging the surface.

The Professional Glamour: Watch the Stars

Even if you don't play actively, football in Bansko offers another form of entertainment - watching friendly matches.

During the summer, dozens of friendly matches are held here between teams from Bulgaria (CSKA, Levski, Ludogorets), Cyprus, Greece, Israel and Romania.

• Free admission: Most of the controls at the Evrion grounds are open to the public and free of charge. This is a great chance to see famous football players from a distance and get an autograph.

Why is Bansko a football capital?

The secret is in the altitude (925 m). Training in conditions of rarefied air (hypoxia) significantly improves the endurance of athletes. When we add to this the modern facilities and the possibility of SPA recovery with mineral water in the neighboring villages of Banya and Dobrinishte, Bansko becomes the perfect sports camp.

So, next time you pack for the mountains, don't forget to pack your football gear. The pitch awaits!