Al-Shorta SC Stadium – stadium description

How does Al-Shorta SC Stadium look in brief?

Al-Shorta SC from Baghdad is one of Iraq’s leading football clubs. Its origins date back to 1932, but the club only received its first stadium in 1990, built next to the police academy (the club itself remains affiliated with the police).

The facility was relatively modest and, starting in 2012, plans were drawn up to replace it with a new stadium, as part of a broader sports and commercial complex. In 2014, the old stands were demolished and construction of the new stadium began, but the project was interrupted by the war with ISIS.

The development stalled for several years and was resumed only at the end of 2022. At that point, plans for additional facilities were abandoned, focusing solely on completing the stadium. The new arena was officially inaugurated on 8 November 2025.

The stadium now holds just over 10,000 spectators and features a typical rectangular football layout. The main stand, separated from the other sectors, is the only one with a roof and is distinguished by a unique back-of-house building composed of seven interconnected circular structures.

How was the new Al-Shorta SC Stadium built?

What was the previous Al-Shorta SC stadium like?

The origins of Al-Shorta SC (Police Club) go back to 1932, but the club’s first stadium only began construction in the 1980s and was inaugurated on 23 December 1990.

It was a fairly modest football ground, with four low stands surrounding the pitch and a capacity of just over 8,500 spectators. A training pitch and a small sports hall for 2,000 people were also built next to the stadium. The venue was colloquially known as Al-Qafs (“The Cage”).

When was the new Al-Shorta SC Stadium built?

Plans to replace the old stadium with a new one began to take shape in 2012, after Ayad Bunyan became president of the club. The vision included the construction of an entire sports and commercial complex intended to support the club’s further development. The project, named Al-Shorta Sports City, was officially announced on 30 January 2013.

The plan was supported by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and was to be implemented by the Swedish company Nordic Sport, in cooperation with its partners Nynord and the Emirati firm AKG.

In March 2014, the old stands were demolished, and on 14 April 2014 the foundation stone for the new complex was laid. Al-Shorta SC subsequently moved its home matches to Al-Shaab Stadium and other venues.

Construction works continued until December 2015, when the project was suspended due to the war with the so-called Islamic State. The facility remained unfinished and was not suitable for hosting matches.

The investment was resumed only in November 2022, although the project was significantly scaled back. Plans for a new sports hall and a shopping centre were abandoned, with the focus limited to completing the stadium itself and a training pitch.

While construction of the new stadium was being completed, Al-Shorta SC enjoyed a period of outstanding sporting success. Between 2022 and 2025, the club won four consecutive league titles, bringing its overall tally to eight championships and moving it into second place in the all-time Iraqi league standings, behind Al-Zawraa SC.

When was the new Al-Shorta SC Stadium inaugurated?

The stadium was completed in 2025 and was officially inaugurated on 8 November 2025. The opening ceremony included a 30-minute friendly match between Al-Shorta SC and Al-Hudood SC, which ended in a goalless draw, as well as artistic performances and other accompanying events.

Among those attending the ceremony were the Iraqi Minister of Interior, Abdul-Amir Al-Shammari, who performed the ribbon-cutting, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed Al-Mubarqa.

What does Al-Shorta SC Stadium look like?

Al-Shorta SC Stadium is a football-specific venue with a capacity of 10,089 spectators. The stands surround the pitch on all sides, although the main stand on the western side is separated from the remaining sections, as there are no built-up corners on either side of it. It is also the only stand covered by a roof. The seating is fitted with white and green seats.

The facilities behind the main stand are housed in a distinctive building composed of seven interconnected circular structures. Four floodlight masts are located in the corners of the stadium.

Behind the eastern stand, there is a new training pitch, equipped with a narrow athletics track. An older sports hall is also located beyond the training pitch.

The stadium is situated in the Al-Rusafa district, close to the Martyr's Memorial. Al-Shorta SC is affiliated with the police and the Ministry of Interior, and the stadium’s surroundings include facilities related to the education of security services personnel, as well as the headquarters of several ministries and other state institutions.