Morocco: Construction of the Grand Stade Hassan II to soon enter a key phase

01.05.2025 11:47 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

Earthworks for the construction of the Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane, on the outskirts of Casablanca, are nearing completion.

Key stage for a flagship project

According to information obtained by Médias24, the work, which began several months ago, has reached an advanced stage, allowing preparations to begin for the next crucial phase of the project: tenders for construction works.

This monumental stadium, which will accommodate 115,000 spectators, is one of Morocco’s flagship projects in the context of preparations for the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. Located in the Benslimane province, the venue is intended to be not only a sports arena but also an architectural and technological symbol of the country.

The upcoming completion of the earthworks means the site is nearly ready for the commencement of the stadium's main structural work. The earthworks are in their final stage. Tenders for construction works will soon be launched, which will select the companies responsible for building the stadium’s structure, said a source close to the project.

Tenders and timeline

The tenders for construction will cover elements such as foundations, load-bearing structures, stands, and other key infrastructure components. The contractor selection process is expected to be rigorous to ensure quality and compliance with international standards, especially since the stadium will serve as a showcase for Morocco during the World Cup.

The project timeline remains on track, and the authorities are determined to meet deadlines. Everything is proceeding according to plan. Once the tenders are finalized and contractors selected, the construction phase will begin, requiring close coordination, the source added.

The Grand Stade Hassan II project is overseen by the Ministry of Sports and the National Agency for Sports Equipment (ANIS), with support from other public and private institutions. The high-level involvement underscores the strategic importance of this project for Morocco, both in sporting and economic terms. Beyond preparations for the 2030 World Cup, the stadium is also intended to serve as a multifunctional venue for major national and international events, contributing to the development of the Benslimane region and reinforcing Casablanca’s position as a regional center of sport and culture.

Next steps

Following the completion of the earthworks and the launch of construction tenders, the project will enter an intensive construction phase. Upcoming stages will include roof installation, interior finishing, and equipping the stadium with modern technologies such as crowd management systems, screens, and advanced ecological solutions. Named in honor of Morocco’s former king, the Grand Stade Hassan II is poised to become one of the most iconic sports venues in Africa and the world.

Benslimane residents divided

As construction on the Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane begins to redraw the city’s landscape, residents are expressing mixed feelings about the upcoming transformation. In the bustling streets of the city center and nearby douars, locals voice a combination of hope and skepticism regarding the massive undertaking and its potential consequences. For many, the project remains a distant, almost abstract promise. So far, there are no fundamental changes visible in Benslimane. There is nothing indicating a real improvement—neither in the standard of living nor in the municipality’s revenues, residents say. Some, however, prefer to look toward the future with optimism, believing that any new investment can help Benslimane develop.