Stadionul Emil Alexandrescu
Iași, Romania
Arena Națională
Bucharest Romania
The Arena Națională is the largest and most modern football stadium in Romania, located in the capital city of Bucharest, with a total seating capacity of 55,634. Inaugurated in 2011, it serves as the primary home for the Romania National Team and the elite club FCSB, while also hosting major domestic fixtures like the Cupa României final. The stadium is unique for its distinctive retractable roof system and its « spoke-wheel » cable structure, which has made it a category four UEFA venue capable of hosting prestigious events such as the 2012 UEFA Europa League final and matches during UEFA Euro 2020.
Nowy Styl Group, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Capacity
55.000
History of the Stadium
The Arena Națională was built on the hallowed ground of the former Stadionul Național, which was demolished in 2008 to make way for a world-class facility. Construction was completed in 2011 at a cost of approximately 234 million euros. The stadium saw its first official match on September 6, 2011, a scoreless draw between Romania and France. Over the years, it has become the focal point of Romanian football, surviving various management changes and infrastructure upgrades. In 2025 and 2026, the stadium continued its legacy as a multi-purpose giant, hosting high-profile European club competitions and massive music events like Metallica’s M72 World Tour.
Architecture & Design
Designed by the renowned German firm Gerkan, Marg and Partners, the architecture of the Arena Națională is defined by its elliptical shape and its striking retractable roof. The roof operates on a cable-net system that can be deployed in about 15 minutes, allowing for matches to proceed regardless of Bucharest’s weather conditions. The facade features a rhythmic series of concrete columns that support the compression ring of the roof. Inside, the stands are divided into two main tiers, ensuring that even from the highest points, spectators have a clear and unobstructed view of the pitch due to the steep inclination of the upper bowl.
Identity & Fan Culture
The identity of the Arena Națională is deeply intertwined with the « Tricolorii » (the national team) and the massive fan base of FCSB. Matchdays in Bucharest are characterized by intense local pride, often featuring elaborate tifos and synchronized chanting. The « Peluza Nord » is the traditional home of the most vocal FCSB ultras, who create a sea of red and blue flags. When the national team plays, the entire stadium transforms into a wall of yellow. The atmosphere is famously loud, especially during the « Eternal Derby » against Dinamo București, where the acoustic design of the stadium amplifies the noise of the crowd to intimidating levels for visiting teams.
Origin of the Stadium Name
The name Arena Națională literally translates to « National Arena, » signifying its role as the premier sporting monument for the entire country of Romania. Unlike many modern stadiums that have opted for commercial naming rights, the venue has maintained its civic identity. This name honors the site’s history as the home of the original 1953 national stadium, reinforcing its status as the « temple » of Romanian football in the heart of Bucharest.
Records & FunFacts
The record attendance for a football match at the Arena Națională was set in 2012 during a World Cup qualifier between Romania and the Netherlands, with 53,329 fans in the stands. However, the all-time attendance record for any event was broken in August 2024 by Ed Sheeran, who drew 57,444 spectators. A fun fact for visitors is that the stadium’s central video cube, suspended over the center circle, was one of the largest and most advanced in Europe at the time of its installation, featuring four massive screens that provide replays to every corner of the arena.
Events Hosted Here
2020 UEFA Euro
Football
How to get to Arena Națională
The Arena Națională is situated in the eastern part of Bucharest within the Sector 2 district. The most reliable way to reach the stadium from the city center (Piața Unirii) is via the Metro Line M1, exiting at either Piața Muncii or Costin Georgian, followed by a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, Trolleybus lines 86 and 90 stop directly in front of the stadium at the « Arena Națională » station. On major matchdays, the STB (Bucharest Transport Authority) often runs special express buses from central hubs. For those driving, the stadium features an underground parking garage with 1,200 spaces, though access is usually restricted to VIPs and permit holders during big events, making public transport the preferred choice.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For the best visual experience and comfort, the VIP and business seats located in the West Stand (Tribuna 1) offer the most panoramic views and access to indoor lounges. The East Stand (Tribuna 2) provides excellent sideline views at a more accessible price point. For fans seeking to be at the heart of the vocal support, the North Goal Stand (Peluza Nord) is where the FCSB ultras and most passionate supporters gather. The stadium’s design includes a 360-degree concourse, and the lower tier offers a very intimate feel despite the stadium’s large capacity. Because of the retractable roof, the Arena Națională is one of the few places in Bucharest where you are guaranteed a dry matchday regardless of the season.
Arena Națională Tour & Behind the Scenes
Official stadium tours are available but are often scheduled around the stadium’s busy event calendar. When available, the « Arena Tour » includes a visit to the presidential box, the media center, and the dressing rooms used by the Romanian National Team. In 2026, tours have become more integrated with digital displays highlighting the history of the 2012 Europa League final. Visitors are advised to check the official Bucharest City Hall or stadium management website for specific tour dates and to book in advance.
Where to eat and drink near Arena Națională
The area surrounding the stadium on Bulevardul Basarabia is filled with local bars and terraces where fans gather. A popular pre-match tradition involves eating « Mici » (grilled ground meat rolls) at nearby local eateries or from street vendors. For a more formal sit-down meal, the « Riviera » restaurant in the adjacent National Park offers a pleasant setting. Inside the stadium, the concourses feature numerous refreshment points selling classic stadium fare like hot dogs and pretzels (covrigi). For a local taste, fans often enjoy a « Bergenbier » or « Ursus » beer, which are commonly found in the bars surrounding the stadium area.
Good to know
The Arena Națională operates a strict security protocol; large backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed inside. For the 2026 season, most vendors within the stadium have transitioned to a cashless system, accepting major credit cards and mobile payments. It is highly recommended to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before kickoff to clear the two-stage security perimeter, which includes a ticket scan and a physical pat-down. During high-risk derbies, be aware that there may be separate approach routes for home and away fans to ensure safety, so check your ticket for the specific gate entrance (A, B, C, or D).
