The Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis in Plovdiv is amongst the largest and best-preserved buildings from the time of Ancient Rome on the Balkan peninsula. Located beneath modern Plovdiv at the original level of ancient Philippopolis, the Stadium was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. Visitors can now enjoy the panoramic visual replica of the original Stadium. The impressive original construction had seating for over 30 000 spectators! 

According to the epigraphic and numismatic monuments games similar to the Pythian Games in Greece were held in the town. To honour the visit of the Roman emperor Caracalla in 214 the games were called Alexandrian while the games for the visit of emperor Elagabalus in 218 were called Kedrisian Games.