From a royal-era arena opened in 1969 to a war-interrupted construction site and finally a reborn landmark in 2025, Benghazi International Stadium mirrors Libya’s turbulent history. If you value symbolic stadium comebacks, vote for Benghazi International Stadium in Stadium of the Year 2025.

History of the first stadium in Benghazi

Construction of the representative stadium in Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city, began in 1967 during the reign of King Idris. At the same time, the main stadium in Tripoli was also being built. The new facility was opened in 1969 with an African Cup of Champions Clubs match between local club Al-Tahaddy and Egypt’s Ismaily SC.

Initially, the stadium had an athletics track and two-tier stands along the straight sections. On 28 March 1970, after the withdrawal of British troops from Libya, the arena was renamed March 28 Stadium to commemorate this historical event.

For decades, the stadium was the main sports venue in Benghazi and the Cyrenaica region. It hosted matches of local clubs as well as national team fixtures. The arena was one of the hosts of the 1973 Palestine Cup and the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations. In the 21st century, the technical condition of the stadium deteriorated, and it was closed for safety reasons in 2007.

© Benghazi International Stadium

Attempted modernization and interruption of works

In 2009, a major modernization project began, scheduled to last until 2011. The design was prepared by Thomas Phifer and Partners. The plan included expanded stands, a distinctive façade, and a roof structure, aiming to make the stadium one of the hosts of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, construction was interrupted in 2011 due to the outbreak of the Libyan civil war. After Benghazi was taken over by revolutionary forces, the stadium was renamed March 19 Stadium, but the investment was abandoned. For many years, unfinished structures, construction equipment, and materials remained on the site.

© Libyan National Army

Resumption of construction and creation of the current stadium

Construction resumed only in April 2023, with the Turkish company Limak Construction serving as the main contractor. The new project was more modest than the original concept but preserved the main assumptions — expansion of the stands (especially completion of the second tier on the curves), construction of a full façade, and installation of roofing.

The reconstructed stadium was officially opened on 20 February 2025 under the name Benghazi International Stadium. The inauguration featured a spectacular show with drones, lasers, and fireworks, as well as an exhibition match with football legends including Samuel Eto'o, Michael Owen, David Trezeguet, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf, Roberto Carlos, Jens Lehmann, Marco Materazzi and Luis Figo.

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Appearance and significance of Benghazi International Stadium

After reconstruction, the stadium retained its oval shape with an athletics track and two-tier stands with a capacity of around 41,000 spectators. The exterior is covered with a decorative façade featuring triangular motifs connected to a roof covering the entire seating area.

The arena is located near a lagoon in the city center and forms part of a larger sports complex. Benghazi International Stadium serves as a representative stadium of the region and a symbol of sports infrastructure reconstruction in Libya.