Cairo International Stadium
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Cairo International Stadium (Arabic: ستاد القاهرة الدولي) or "Stad El-Qahira El-Dawly", is an Olympic-standard, multi-use stadium with an all-seated capacity of 75,000. It is the Middle East and Africa's largest and foremost Olympic -standard facility befitting the role of Cairo, Egypt as the center of events in the region. Located in Nasr City; a suburb north east of Cairo, it was completed in 1960, and was inaugurated by the late President Nasser on the 23rd of July national day celebrations that year.
In 2005 in preparation for the 2006 African Cup of Nations it underwent a major renovation, and was brought up to 21st century world standard along with all its multi-game Olympic facilities.
The Stadium is located about 10 km east of Cairo International Airport and about 30 km (30 min) from downtown Cairo.
Cairo Stadium is known for its tremendous atmosphere and its very large capacity. This was never more evident than during the 2006 African cup of Nations, which were held in Egypt. When Egypt had their matches in Cairo Stadium, the stadium seemed to nearly erupt. Before seats were added to all sections in 2005, the stadium was notorious for holding more people than it was intended to. It is rumored to have hosted over 120 thousand fans for a match between zamalek football club and al-ahly football club. Without seats, fans were able to squeeze together and sit in aisles.
Cairo Stadium is a strong symbol of Egyptian soccer. Nearly all of the most important Egyptian matches are held there. It carries an extremely rich history which includes many timeless soccer moments that ranges from Hossam Hassan's famous header to secure Egypt's attendance in Italia 90 World Cup, numerous Africa Cup of Nations tournaments which included the latest 2006 trophy, and the famous derby matches between Ahly and Zamalek.
However, the stadium is to be out-classed and out-dated with the imminent opening of the new Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, which will house an official count of 80,000 spectators making it larger than Cairo International Stadium and more modern, thus the largest in Egypt and one of the biggest grounds in Africa and the Middle East in term of capacity.
