What the National Arena looks like before the Metallica concert » The stadium became a “festival area” and football was moved from the Capital
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Sunday, May 10, 2026, 2:17 p.m. / Updated Sunday, May 10, 2026, 2:18 p.m.
The National Arena is completely transformed before the concert by Metallica, scheduled for Wednesday, May 13. The country's largest stadium is already busy with preparations for the event, and the effects are directly felt in the current edition of the Super League.
The arena has been unavailable for matches since the beginning of May and will remain closed until mid-July, during which time the stadium will host several large-scale concerts and events. In addition to the Metallica show, Iron Maiden, on May 28, and Max Korzh, on May 23, will also perform at the National Arena, while the Kapital Festival is also scheduled for the beginning of July.
FCSB and Dinamo, forced to leave the National Arena
Because of these events, the last stages of the Superliga play-off and play-out can no longer be played at the National Arena. The situation directly affects FCSB and Dinamo, the two clubs being forced to move their matches considered home.
FCSB has at its disposal the version of the Steaua stadium in Ghencea, an arena with approximately 30,000 seats, while Dinamo is forced to play at the Arcul de Triumf stadium, which has a capacity of only 8,000 spectators.
In the first phase, the Professional Football League also considered the option of a court action to prioritize the sports competition on the National Arena. In the end, however, an agreement was reached with the City Hall of the Capital, in the context where the tickets for the Metallica concert were already sold-out.
Another important reason why the stadium cannot host matches is the condition of the turf. For concerts of this size, the special “In the Round” stage is set up, and the playing surface is protected or changed afterwards, which makes it impossible to play games under normal conditions.
The situation is reminiscent of 2022, when the FCSB – CFR Cluj derby, considered decisive in the title fight, was moved to Buzău because of the SAGA festival.
