Grand Stade de Tanger, also known as Stade Ibn Battuta, is currently the largest stadium in Morocco and one of the most impressive football arenas in Africa. The venue was opened in April 2011 after nearly a decade of construction as a multi-purpose stadium with an athletics track.

Grand Stade de Tanger – from athletics stadium to football fortress

Originally, the venue featured a running track and stands set away from the pitch, giving it a multi-purpose character. Between 2020 and 2023, the curved sections of the stands were expanded, increasing capacity from 45,000 to 65,000 seats.

The second phase of modernization brought major changes — the athletics track was removed, the pitch level was lowered, and a new lower tier of stands was built closer to the field. The stadium gained a full roof covering, a new façade, and upgraded technical infrastructure.

The expansion project was designed by the architectural studio Cabinet d'Architecture Amaoui Anouar Gueriri. After two phases of redevelopment, the stadium was completely transformed into a modern, football-specific arena with a capacity exceeding 75,000 spectators. The new version of the stadium was officially inaugurated on 14 November 2025 during a friendly match between Morocco and Mozambique.

The renovation was closely linked to Morocco’s ambitions to host major international football tournaments. In October 2023, the country was announced as a co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2030, while earlier it was awarded the right to organize the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. The stadium in Tangier is expected to play an important role during both events.

If you are impressed by the scale of this transformation — from an athletics stadium into one of the largest and most modern football arenas in Africa — vote for Grand Stade de Tanger in the Stadium of the Year 2025 and support Morocco’s giant.

Architecture and technical solutions at Grand Stade de Tanger

The stadium’s stands are divided into three levels. The older middle and upper tiers retained their original curved shape, while the new lower ring brings spectators significantly closer to the pitch. The entire seating area is covered by a membrane roof integrating lighting, sound systems, and video screens.

The façade has a decorative character and is reinforced with monumental reinforced concrete structures at the main entrances and spiral staircases. At night, the stadium can be illuminated in different colours, highlighting its representative role.

The venue offers an extensive hospitality zone with VIP and VVIP boxes (142 skyboxes in total), modern media facilities for more than 200 journalists, two giant video screens of approximately 220 m² each, a 700-metre LED ring display, and a surveillance system comprising nearly 900 cameras. The pitch is equipped with hybrid turf combining natural grass and synthetic fibres.

© TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Location and functions of Grand Stade de Tanger

The stadium is located about 7 km from the centre of Tangier, along the N1 road leading towards the airport. It forms the central element of a larger sports complex including an Olympic swimming pool, a multi-purpose indoor hall, tennis courts, and a smaller training stadium.

The home matches of Ittihad Riadi de Tanger are played there, but the arena was designed as a representative stadium for the entire city — a venue for prestigious sporting events, concerts, and ceremonies. Thanks to modernization, Grand Stade de Tanger has become a symbol of Morocco’s ambitions and one of the most important football stadiums on the African continent.