Cairo International Stadium

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Cairo Stadium
Location Nasr City, Cairo
Opened 1958
Renovated 2004
Owner
Surface Grass
Tenants Al-Ahly
El Zamalek
Egypt national football team
Capacity 74,100(all seater)

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 74,100. 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 west 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 120,000 for a match between El-Zamalek (football team) football club and El Ahly football club. Without seats, fans were able to squeeze together and sit in aisles. This number was actually achieved and realized a few years back in 1986 Africa Cup of Nations Final match which was held in Egypt and Egypt won against Cameroon.

Cairo Stadium is a strong symbol of Egyptian football. 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.

It has also served as the main stadium of the 1991 All-Africa Games.

It has a larger capacity than many stadiums like wembley and nou camp.

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Coordinates: 30°4′8.81″N, 31°18′44.40″E

Preceded by
Stade 7 November
Rades
African Cup of Nations
Final Venue

2006
Succeeded by
Ohene Djan Stadium
Accra