Grand Stade d’Agadir – design description

What does the stadium in Agadir look like?

The new, main stadium in Agadir was inaugurated in October 2013. The facility has an oval form, and the stands rest on artificially created embankments. Their exterior is covered with stone steps, which may evoke associations with stepped pyramids. The stadium is equipped with an athletics track.

The facility was designed by the architectural studio of renowned Italian architect Vittorio Gregotti, together with the local practice Sâd Benkirane. The Hassania Union Sport d'Agadir (HUSA) football team, a two-time Moroccan champion (2002, 2003), plays its matches at the stadium.

How did plans to redevelop the Agadir stadium come about?

On September 27, 2023, Morocco was announced as the host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and on October 4, 2023, the candidacy of Spain, Portugal and Morocco (along with three South American countries, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, to host one game each) won the bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

The stadium in Agadir is expected to host matches in both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup. In connection with the hosting of major events (especially the World Cup), the stadium in Agadir is to undergo reconstruction.

The first official rendering of the possible look of the stadium after reconstruction did not appear until late July 2024, on the occasion of the publication of the bid of Morocco, Spain and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup (bid book). The author of the concept is Sâd Benkirane, the same studio that worked on the original design of this stadium.

What are the plans for the redevelopment of the Agadir stadium?

The main idea of the reconstruction is the elimination of the athletics track, the lowering of the pitch and the reconstruction of the stands, which will receive a football-specific layout. A completely new canopy is also to be built to cover the stands from all sides.

The characteristic stone steps responsible for the external appearance of the venue will be preserved, and will be enhanced with additional stairs leading to the top of the stadium. At the top, a terrace with views of the surrounding area will stretch all around.

According to preliminary information, the capacity of the stadium after the reconstruction is expected to be 46,000 spectators, slightly more than before the work began. Premium seating will be increased as well, and VIP areas will also be created in the east stand.

The renovations are to take place in two phases. The first works in the surroundings have already started in 2023, and the entire first phase is expected to be completed before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, followed by the second phase, which is expected to last until 2028.

The first phase primarily involves interior renovation work and changes to the stadium's surroundings, where, among other things, additional parking lots will be built and training facilities will be expanded. The main part of the investment, i.e. the reconstruction of the stadium into a football-specific facility with the construction of a new canopy, will be carried out in the second phase.