Baghdad International Stadium – design description

How did plans to build a new 60,000-seat stadium in Baghdad come about?

Iraq, rebuilding after the US invasion of the early 21st century, has allocated considerable resources for investment, particularly in sports infrastructure. Flagship project was to be the construction of a huge, representative stadium in Baghdad. Ambitious concept, created by AMBS Architects, called for construction of a multi-purpose facility capable of accommodating 100,000 fans. An entire sports complex was to be built around the arena.

Upon reflection, the ambitious project was abandoned and it was decided to reallocate some funds to support the construction of several smaller stadiums. However, a new representative stadium was to be built in Baghdad. Several new and interesting visions were created then. Concept of a 60,000-seat stadium was finally accepted for implementation.

What will make Baghdad International Stadium stand out?

New stadium will have an athletics track, which will be surrounded on all sides by two-storey stands. Auditorium will be fully covered. On the outside, facility will be crowned by a decorative façade. Exterior of the stadium is inspired by Arabian architecture and Islamic design. Height of the building will be 57 metres.

Location designated for stadium is in the northern suburbs of Baghdad. Four auxiliary stadiums (one with stands for 2,000 spectators and three with auditoriums for 500) are to be built around the arena, as well as a hotel and parking facilities. With stands for 60,000 spectators, the new stadium will be the leading sports venue in Iraq, rivalled only by Basra International Stadium.

When will Baghdad International Stadium be built?

You can see coverage of the construction of Baghdad International Stadium on a separate subpage

Contract for design and construction of the facility was signed with Iranian company Boland Payeh and it was valued at approximately 227.53 billion Iraqi dinars. Investment was led and funded by Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports. Construction work started in 2012.

In 2015, due to the ongoing hostilities in Iraq and the financial crisis, work was halted, and the unfinished frame of the stadium's stands remained on site. Work resumed in the fall of 2018, but was quickly halted again. Another resumption of work was announced on March 11, 2024.

In the meantime, a new name for the facility has also begun to be used: Baghdad International Stadium (instead of Al Tajiat Stadium, although this one also remains in use).