Benghazi International Stadium – stadium description

When was the stadium in Benghazi built?

Construction of the representative stadium in Benghazi, the largest city in Cyrenaica and the second largest in all of Libya, began back in the reign of King Idris, in 1967. At a similar time to the Benghazi stadium, the new main stadium in Tripoli was also being built.

The new facility in Benghazi opened in 1969, and the stadium was inaugurated with an African Cup of Champions Clubs match between local Al-Tahaddy and Egypt's Ismaily SC.

What did the stadium in Benghazi look like initially?

On March 28, 1970, British troops withdrew from Libya, and the new stadium was then named in honor of that event (March 28 Stadium). The stadium was equipped with an athletics track, surrounded by stands that had a second tier along the straights.

What events did the stadium in Benghazi host?

The facility served as the main stadium for Benghazi and the entire region. It hosted matches of local clubs, and the country's national team also played here. Among other things, the stadium was one of the venues for the 1973 Palestine Cup and 1982 Africa Cup of Nations.

In the 21st century, the facility's technical condition deteriorated to the point where it was closed for safety reasons in 2007.

When was the Benghazi stadium rebuilt?

In 2009 a major modernization of the stadium began, which was to last until 2011. The stadium was to be expanded and equipped with a striking facade and canopy, and the design was prepared by Thomas Phifer and Partners. Since Libya was to host the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the upgraded Benghazi stadium was to be one of the venues for the tournament.

What stood in the way of redeveloping the Benghazi stadium?

As the civil war broke out in Libya in February 2011, all work on the stadium was halted. After Gaddafi was overthrown, the facility was renamed (March 19 Stadium) in honor of the day revolutionary forces took control of Benghazi.

When the war broke out, the stadium was in the midst of reconstruction, and after construction crews left, the stands remained half unfinished. Equipment, including cranes, as well as construction materials were also left on site and remained unmoved for several more years.

Due to the armed conflict, Libya's hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations was postponed until 2017, but when a second civil war erupted in 2014, Libya was completely stripped of the competition. A full ceasefire was not achieved in the country until 2020.

When did the reconstruction of the Benghazi stadium resume?

Construction work on the stadium resumed in April 2023, and the contractor was the Turkish company Limak. The facility was completed according to a new, slightly more modest design, although the main objectives remained the same: expansion of the stands (primarily the addition of the missing second tier on the curves) and construction of the facade and roofing.

When was the Benghazi stadium inaugurated after reconstruction?

The expanded stadium was officially opened on February 20, 2025, although the athletics track was not yet ready at the inauguration. The facility was also given a new name: Benghazi International Stadium.

The inauguration was truly spectacular. In addition to drone shows, a laser display, a fireworks spectacle and other attractions, a celebrity match was played, featuring Samuel Eto'o, Michael Owen, David Trezeguet, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf, Roberto Carlos, Jens Lehmann, Marco Materazzi, Luis Figo and many other legendary football players.

What does Benghazi International Stadium look like?

The stadium, after reconstruction, has retained its oval form with an athletics track, around which are two-tiered stands with a capacity of 41,000 spectators. From the outside, the stands are flanked by a decorative facade with triangular motifs, connecting to a roof that covers the entire auditorium.

The facility is located on the lagoon in the center of the city, and is surrounded by other sports facilities that make up the entire complex.