Anișoara Cușmir setting a new world record long jump of 7.21 meters at the România-Bulgaria-R.S.F.S. Rusă triangular football event on Stadionul '23 august' in 1983

Stadionul Național (1953)

Stadionul Național Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide: Bucharest Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Stadionul Național, originally opened in 1953 as Stadionul 23 August in Bucharest, Romania, is a landmark steeped in the nation’s sporting, cultural, and political history. Initially constructed to host the 4th World Festival of Youth and Students, the stadium became a symbol of Romania’s modernization under the socialist regime and reflected ambitions of national pride (Wikiwand). Over more than five decades, it was not only the heart of Romanian football and athletics but also a venue for major political gatherings and internationally renowned concerts, including multiple performances by Michael Jackson (Everything Explained).

Designed by architect Vily Juster, the stadium originally featured a 60,120-seat capacity and an oval layout typical of mid-20th-century designs. As years passed, however, the infrastructure became outdated and no longer met modern standards of safety and comfort, leading to its demolition in 2007. In its place now stands Arena Națională—a state-of-the-art venue that opened in 2011, continuing the legacy with modern amenities such as a retractable roof and full UEFA Category 4 compliance (Wikipedia).

This guide provides a thorough look at Stadionul Național’s historical significance, its transformation into Arena Națională, and all practical information for visitors—covering visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a sports fan, history enthusiast, or a traveler exploring Bucharest’s historic sites, this article will help you plan an enriching visit (Arena Națională Official Site).

Anișoara Cușmir setting a new world record in long jump at the 23 August stadium with a 7.21 m jump

Erica Alexandrina Stoenescu high jump 1.71 meters on May 15, 1966 at Stadionul 23 August

Erica Alexandrina Stoenescu jumping 1.71 meters in stadium 23 August on May 15, 1966 with Iolanda Balaș and coach Constantin Dumitrescu

Iosif Naghi at Stadionul 23 August on May 15, 1966

Niculina Vasile clearing 1.97 meters in high jump at the Romania-Bulgaria-RSFSR Soviet Union triangular athletics meet at Stadionul 23 August

Niculina Vasile competing in triangular athletics event Romania-Bulgaria-Russian SFSR at 23 August Stadium

Football match between Romania and Uruguay at Stadionul 23 August in 1966

Romania vs England youth football match at Stadionul 23 August with score 1-0

Romania vs East Germany football match 3-2 at Stadionul 23 August with goal by Cornel Pavlovici and goalkeeper Harald Fritzsche

Romania vs East Germany football match 3-2 at Stadionul 23 August with Gabriel Raksi in the opponent's penalty area and Harald Fritzsche goalkeeper

Sorin Matei clearing 2.37 meters high jump at the 1988 Republican Spring Senior Athletics Competition

Aerial view of Marele stadion 23 August with a green field and surrounding stands under a cloudy sky

Introduction
Historical Overview: Stadionul Național (1953) – Origins and Legacy
Demolition and Arena Națională: The Transformation
Visiting Arena Națională: Hours, Tickets & Facilities
How to Get There & Travel Tips
Visitor Experience: Then and Now
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Sources

Historical Overview: Stadionul Național (1953) – Origins and Legacy

Symbol of National Identity and Modernization

Stadionul Național, originally Stadionul 23 August, was constructed to showcase Romania’s progress in the post-war era. As the centerpiece for the 4th World Festival of Youth and Students, it became a national symbol of unity, internationalism, and socialist achievement (Wikiwand, Wikipedia). The stadium’s original name commemorated the country’s pivotal role in World War II, and it was later renamed in honor of Olympic discus champion Lia Manoliu (Wikiwand).

Sporting and Cultural Heart

For over 50 years, Stadionul Național was the main venue for football and athletics in Romania, hosting national team matches, historic victories, and legendary derbies (Wikipedia). It was also the site of mass gatherings, parades, and major concerts, including Michael Jackson’s performances in the 1990s, which drew record crowds (Everything Explained).

Architectural and Urban Influence

Located in eastern Bucharest, the stadium influenced the development of the surrounding Lia Manoliu Sports Complex and the city’s urban landscape. Its demolition in 2007 marked a turning point in Romanian sports infrastructure (Wikiwand).

Demolition and Arena Națională: The Transformation

Rationale and Process

By the 2000s, Stadionul Național’s aging structure no longer met modern safety, comfort, or event standards, prompting its demolition after a final match in 2007 (Wikipedia). The site was cleared to make way for Arena Națională, with some earth mounds from the original stadium integrated into the new foundations (Wikiwand).

Construction and Design

The new stadium was designed by the renowned firm GMP Architekten and constructed by a German-Italian consortium. It boasts over 55,000 seats, a retractable roof, VIP and press facilities, and full UEFA Category 4 compliance. The Arena Națională officially opened in 2011 and has since hosted major matches, international tournaments, and concerts (Wikipedia).

Modern Features

Retractable roof operable in 15 minutes
State-of-the-art amenities: VIP boxes, press areas, and 2,100 parking spaces
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and designated seating for visitors with disabilities
Public transport access: Well-served by metro, trams, and buses (TotRedus)

Visiting Arena Națională: Hours, Tickets & Facilities

Visiting Hours

Standard hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
Event days: Stadium opens 1–2 hours before the scheduled event (matches/concerts)
Guided tours: Available on select days; check the official website for current schedules

Tickets

Matches & concerts: Purchase tickets online via the Arena Națională website or authorized vendors; prices vary by event and seat category
Guided tours: Tickets cost approximately 20 RON (adults), 10 RON (children, students, pensioners); book in advance
Box office: On-site, open during business hours and event days

Facilities & Accessibility

Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, reserved seating, and accessible restrooms
Visitor services: VIP lounges, food courts, merchandise shops, and multilingual support
Wi-Fi & digital ticketing: Available for visitors

How to Get There & Travel Tips

Public Transport

Metro: Piata Muncii station (M1), 15-minute walk to the stadium
Tram lines: 14, 36, 40, 46, 56
Bus: N109

Parking

Parking spaces: 2,100 (priority for VIP on event days)
Tip: Public transport is recommended due to traffic on event days

Travel Tips

Arrive early for large events to ensure smooth entry
Dress comfortably; smart-casual is suitable for VIP or concert events
Check stadium policies on prohibited items and security before arrival
Explore nearby attractions to enrich your visit (destinationabroad.co.uk, touristsecrets.com)

Visitor Experience: Then and Now

Aspect	Stadionul Național (1953–2007)	Arena Națională (2011–Present)
Seating	Concrete terraces, unnumbered	Individual seats, covered stands
Accessibility	Limited, not disability-friendly	Fully accessible, ramps, lifts
Amenities	Basic food, minimal restrooms	Modern food courts, clean facilities
Event Diversity	Sports, state events, parades	Sports, concerts, festivals
Safety & Security	Basic crowd control	Advanced security, emergency plans
Technology	None	Wi-Fi, digital ticketing, screens
Visitor Info	Posters, word-of-mouth	Online guides, multilingual support
Atmosphere	Intense, sometimes compulsory	Inclusive, family-friendly

Nearby Attractions

Parcul IOR (Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park): Green oasis for relaxation and recreation
National Museum of Romanian History: Extensive exhibits on Romania’s past
Muzeul Național al Satului Dimitrie Gusti: Outdoor museum of traditional village life
Tineretului Park: Popular for lakes and walking trails
Lia Manoliu Sports Complex: Adjacent to the stadium
I.O.R. Park: Scenic green space for pre-/post-event visits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Arena Națională visiting hours?
A: Generally 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Monday–Saturday; event days vary—check the official website.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Online via the Arena Națională website, authorized sellers, or box office.

Q: Is the stadium accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, designated seating, and accessible facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, on select days—book in advance via the website.

Q: What’s the best way to get there?
A: Metro (Piata Muncii), trams (14, 36, 40, 46, 56), bus (N109); public transport is recommended.

Conclusion

The transformation of Stadionul Național (1953) into the present-day Arena Națională reflects Romania’s evolution from postwar ambitions to modern European standards. Today’s stadium offers an inclusive, comfortable, and technologically advanced visitor experience—whether you’re attending a match, concert, or simply exploring a piece of Bucharest’s history. With excellent public transport links, nearby attractions, and comprehensive visitor services, Arena Națională is a must-visit for anyone interested in Romanian culture and sports.

For up-to-date visiting hours, tickets, and event information, consult the official Arena Națională website, and consider using the Audiala app for personalized guidance and real-time updates. Make your visit memorable by exploring the stadium’s rich past and vibrant present in the heart of Bucharest.