Today we visit Cluj-Napoca, Romania and their classic Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium!
History:
The Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium, informally known as CFR Cluj Stadium, is located in the Gruia district of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and serves as the home ground for CFR Cluj, one of Romania's most successful football clubs. The stadium is named after Constantin Rădulescu (1924-2001), who was a significant figure in the club's history, contributing as a player, coach, and club doctor. The stadium was originally constructed in 1973, during a period when CFR Cluj was competing in Romania's second and third divisions. At that time, the stadium had a modest capacity of about 10,000 seats, sufficient for local supporters. It primarily hosted domestic league matches during this era, as CFR Cluj had not yet reached the high level of success it would later achieve.
In the early 2000s, CFR Cluj's fortunes began to improve as the club climbed the ranks of Romanian football. This upward trajectory culminated in 2008, when CFR Cluj qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s history. To meet the requirements for hosting European matches, the stadium underwent a significant expansion. The renovation was designed by Dico și Țigănaș, a local architecture firm, and built by Transilvania Construction. Completed in September 2008, the expansion increased the seating capacity from 10,000 to 22,198 seats, making it one of the largest football stadiums in Romania. The modernization also brought enhanced facilities, such as upgraded lighting, improved seating, and media amenities to meet UEFA standards.
The expanded stadium was inaugurated with a memorable match between CFR Cluj and the Portuguese club Braga. CFR Cluj won the match 3-1, a significant victory in front of a home crowd, further establishing the club’s growing reputation in European competitions. In addition to its role as the home of CFR Cluj, the stadium has also hosted international matches. On 6 September 2008, the Romania national football team played a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lithuania at the stadium. This match marked the first time in 85 years that the Romanian national team had played in Cluj-Napoca. Despite the historic occasion, Romania suffered a 3-0 defeat to Lithuania. The Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium remains a central part of CFR Cluj’s success, and plans for future expansions reflect the club’s ambitions to continue competing at the highest levels of European football.
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Music
Song: October Leaf
Artist: Mar Vei
Courtesy Of: www.epidemicsound.com
Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Constantin_R%C4%83dulescu_Stadium