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.

MATCH INFORMATION: 

• The game will be played in the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv. 

The address is Hristo Botev Stadium, Iztochen 10, 4017 Plovdiv. 

• Kick-Off is scheduled for 21:45hrs | Stadium gates will open at 19:45hrs. 

NB: Times are local. 

IRISH FAN MOBILITY – pre-match: 

• The Bulgarian Football Union and the Police in Plovdiv have been informed that our supporters will frequent the city centre and use the bars & restaurants in and around the main square which is Stefan Stombolov square. The Police in Plovdiv are happy with that. 

• The distance from Stefan Stombolov square and the stadium is 1.8km. 

IRISH FAN MOBILITY – post-match: 

• The local authorities confirmed that there would be a high number of taxis to take supporters back into the city centre. 

• The city centre is within walking distance of the stadium. 

HOLD-BACK – post-match: 

• It is confirmed that the Irish supporters will be held back after the final whistle. 

The stadium management and the Police Match Commander will keep the hold-back as short as possible. 

• During Hold-Back our supporters will be permitted to use the facilities on the concourse. 

TICKETING: 

• Category 1 Ticket Holders must enter the stadium to Section A. 

• Category 2 Ticket Holders must enter the stadium to Section D1. 

• Tickets can be scanned on mobile or printed in paper format. 

Supporters using a mobile device should have the resolution set on the highest setting. 

STADIUM INFORMATION: 

• It is advisable to get to the stadium early. 

• There is no bag storage facility. 

• It is against the law in Bulgaria to be in possession of a pyrotechnic. 

• Flags & Banners can be displayed in the Irish supporters sector but will be inspected at the entry points. 

• Drinks & Snacks will be on sale in the Irish sector | These will be served through a small hatch (rather than a counter) so it may take a little longer to get served. 

• Cash only (Bulgarian Lev) will be accepted in the stadium. 

• No alcohol will be on sale in the visiting supporters sector. 

• Supporters are required to bring their passport and their match ticket for access to the stadium. 

• Below is a list of prohibited items.. 
   

  

• The following items are approved for access: Drum | Bodhran | Bell 

IRISH EMBASSY & EMERGENCY NUMBER: 

• The emergency number in Bulgaria is 112. 

• The Irish Embassy in Bulgaria is in Sofia. 

Platinum Business Centre (4th Floor), 26-30 Bacho Kiro St. 1000 Sofia. 

Opening Hours | Monday → Friday – 10:00hrs → 13:00hrs & 14:00hrs → 16:00hrs. 

Contact Number | +359 2 985 3425. 

• There is also a 24hr DFA Duty Officer contactable on +353 1 4082000. 

• DFA Guidelines on Bulgaria can be found on: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/bulgaria/