HaMoshava Stadium – stadium description

Name derives from the city’s origins. Petah Tikva was established as a Jewish settlement in a Muslim region back in XIX (HaMoshava means colony, sttlement). The key to choosing its name was not the symbolism, however. It was chosen as a neutral option due to pressure of two rivaling football supporter groups in the city. In 2010 fans of Hapoel suggested the name of Nahum Stlmah, while their opposition from Maccabi proposed Shmuel Ben Dror for patron. Both notions were denied and the city announced naming rights contract will be signed.

The municipality is the ground’s owner as they invested 75% of the total value, estimated at 200mln shekels. The remaining part was paid by the national lottery.

The ground can currently accommodate 11,500 people, but is expected to grow by another 8,500 when phase 2 is completed. That means erection of stands behind goals and filling in the corners. The concept comes from Jerusalem-based practice GAB Architects, who are also the ones behind Teddy Kollek Stadium and the 2012 Netanya venue – hence the resemblance.