Stade Intwari – historical stadium description

The most important stadium in Burundi since 1962 bore the name of the independence leader and the country’s second prime minister, Prince Louis Rwagasore, who was assassinated on October 13, 1961, just two weeks after taking office.

The name was changed in 2019 to Stade Intwari, which in the local Kirundi language means Stadium of Heroes and refers to all those who contribute to the development of Burundi.

The stadium featured a single covered stand reminiscent of old British designs. On the remaining sides, around a cinder running track, there were several-row earth embankments surrounded on the outside by a high wall.

Although the venue offered only modest facilities, it hosted matches of the Burundi national team as well as local clubs competing in African competitions for many years. It was only in 2021 that the CAF no longer permitted international matches to be played at the stadium.

The government quickly took action, and in 2022 the old stadium was demolished. In its place, construction began on a new venue meeting modern standards. The new arena, also named Stade Intwari, was inaugurated in 2025.