The official countdown to EuroVolley 2026 in Sofia began on September 4, when Bulgarian Volleyball Federation President Lyubomir Ganev and Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev unveiled a special installation at St. Nedelya Square. The large volleyball-shaped clock is already counting down the time until the start of EuroVolley 2026, when Bulgaria, as the 2025 world runners-up, will play its opening match against the Republic of North Macedonia at 7:00 PM at Arena 8888.

The upcoming Men's European Volleyball Championship will transform the capital into a hub for sports gatherings and shared emotions. The Sofia Municipality press center announced that in addition to the official matches, residents and visitors will be able to take part in a wide variety of outdoor volleyball activities.

Serving as a special venue for experiences and networking related to the tournament, the EuroVolley Camp will be located in the park behind the Earth and Man Museum, next to the European Union metro station. Volleyball fans will have the opportunity to capture memories through special photo installations located not only at the camp itself but also in front of Arena Sofia and by the Vasil Levski Stadium metro station.

Sports enthusiasts will be able to personally get involved in activities led by volleyball clubs, which will host sessions in six of the capital's parks. The program will run daily from September 8 to 26, between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, at the following locations:

  • South Park (near EuroVolley Camp)
  • Lyulin Park
  • Studentski Park
  • Geo Milev Park (behind the Georgi Asparuhov monument)
  • North Park
  • 100 Years of Sofia Park in the Mladost district

Beyond being physically present on the courts, the excitement can also be immortalized as part of the Sofia Municipality's September edition of the "In Step" photo contest, which this year is themed "Sofia is Volleyball." The organizers invite locals and visitors to share their perspective on the event, capturing everything from major matches to the small moments that turn this volleyball-filled September into a true city-wide experience.