Sofia is already looking towards the next major volleyball hosting. The Bulgarian capital will bid for the European Men's Championship in 2030, announced the president of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, Lyubomir Ganev.
The news comes at a time when EuroVolley 2026 is still ongoing, but the interest in the matches at "Arena 8888 Sofia" has already given the organizers a serious argument to think four years ahead.
The strongest proof came during the Bulgaria – Poland match. Over 13,000 spectators filled the hall and witnessed the national team's 3:2 victory, and the attendance set a record for a match of the Bulgarian national team.
Ganev: The next goal is 2030
Lyubomir Ganev announced the intention for a new bid during the solemn session of the Sofia Municipal Council on the occasion of Sofia Day.
The President of the BFV also pointed out the economic effect of the current hosting. According to him, hosting the European Championship has brought investments of about 20 million euros to the capital.
It is precisely the organization of the tournament and the interest in the stands that are at the heart of the decision to consider a new hosting after four years.
Volleyball was honored on Sofia Day
Ganev's statement was made during the awarding of the Honorary Badges of the Sofia Municipality. Among those honored were representatives of Bulgarian volleyball, and the Bulgarian national team for girls under 19 also received an Honorary Badge.
The awards on behalf of volleyball were accepted by the President of the BFV, and the Mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, congratulated the awardees for their achievements and the example they set.
"A city is its people. A city is the energy that brings us together. All of you have left a huge mark. You have set an example and infected many others with it," Terziev stated.
First, however, the eliminations in Sofia are yet to come
The focus on 2030 does not change the current task. EuroVolley 2026 has not yet ended for Sofia, and after the group stage, "Arena 8888" will also host elimination matches.
The record-breaking evening against Poland showed what interest the national team can generate at a major international forum at home. And the stated intention for 2030 shows that the current European Championship is seen not as a one-time hosting, but as a basis for a new bid after four years.
photos: Sofia Municipality and Nikolay Varadinov
