The Bulgarian Volleyball Federation is already in an advanced phase of realizing one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of Bulgarian volleyball – the construction of its own "House of Volleyball" in Sofia.
This was announced by the President of the BFV, Lyubomir Ganev, in the Sportcast Volleyball podcast. He also revealed new details about the project, including the estimated cost of the entire complex – around 22–23 million euros.
"I want to say officially for the first time – we are in an advanced phase of building a House of Volleyball," Ganev stated.
The President of the BFV confirmed that the future complex will be in Sofia, but declined to reveal the exact location before the necessary documents are finalized.
"I don't want to say yet, until we have the final sealed documents, but it will be in Sofia," he explained.
Hall for 2500 spectators, hotel, and training base
The "House of Volleyball" will not just be a new sports hall. The plans are for the construction of a complete complex that will provide a dedicated base for Bulgarian volleyball.
The main hall should have a capacity of around 2500 spectators and allow for the creation of at least two volleyball courts. An additional training hall is also planned.
The complex should also include a hotel section with over 60 rooms, a fitness center, a restaurant, and offices for the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation.
The hotel facilities will allow for the simultaneous accommodation of four teams, which will create conditions for organizing training camps and qualification tournaments there.
Investment of around 22–23 million euros
Ganev also revealed the expected cost of the large-scale project.
"What we plan to do is around 22–23 million euros," said the President of the BFV, clarifying that the amount is for the entire complex, not just the main hall.
According to him, discussions about the future "House of Volleyball" have been ongoing for nearly a year. The project has now reached a stage where the federation's leadership needs to make decisions on the specific next steps for its implementation.
Ganev also revealed that a meeting with the vice-presidents of the BFV on this very topic is upcoming.
The goal is for the "House of Volleyball" to be ready by the end of the mandate
Lyubomir Ganev's ambition is for the complex to be completed by the end of his presidential term.
He emphasized that the BFV does not intend to simply wait for the state to build such a facility. The Federation wants to initiate the project itself, and then seek support from both the state and its partners.
"We cannot wait for the state to build something for us. We must first try to do it ourselves, and if the state and partners can help – that's good," Ganev explained.
Base for the national teams
One of the main functions of the future complex will be to provide a permanent training base for the national teams.
Ganev pointed out that this year Bulgaria has 11 national teams in different age categories, which have to conduct their training in various locations.
According to the President of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, such a complex will be able to comfortably host at least three national teams simultaneously. During periods when it is not used by national selections, the base will also be able to host club teams.
The envisioned "House of Volleyball" should bring together competitive and training infrastructure, hotel accommodation, a fitness center, a restaurant, and the administrative center of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation – its own national base, which Bulgarian volleyball currently lacks.
Yu
