The president of Bulgaria – Mr. Rosen Plevneliev and the mayor of Plovdiv – Mr. Ivan Totev opened the Roman Stadium in Plovdiv. Before the official speech they watched the 3D movie “Plovdiv in II century” dedicated to life in Philippopol at that time. In his speech Mayor Totev reminded all the things Plovdiv had to go through from the start of the renovation till today. “We started the second phase of the renovation with the idea to create a presentation centre where to show how Plovdiv used to look like. There is also a café which we hope people of Plovdiv will visit with a little bit of nostalgia.” the mayor added. 

President Plevneliev stated that Plovdiv has always been a special city, the oldest in Plovdiv and a centre of the province of Thrace during Roman time. “The city now needs to be taken good care of. Preserve Plovdiv – a city not 20 but 80 centuries old; a city of a crossroad and culture. Show it to the World. I am proud of you and will always support you.” the President finished his speech.

Departing the ceremony the President stopped to chat with a random foreign tourist. Both expressed their admiration for the city.

Concurrent event is a special exhibition with archive photos as well as such of present time, showing the life of the Stadium. You can see the exhibition in the Main Street.

Visiting the Roman Stadium is free of charge.