Cairo International Stadium

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Cairo Stadium
Full name Cairo International Stadium
Location Nasr City, Cairo
Opened 1960
Renovated 2004
Surface Grass
Capacity 100,500 [1]
Record attendance 120,000
Tenants
Al Ahly
Zamalek
Egypt National Football Team

Cairo International Stadium (Arabic: استاد 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 Arab World's third largest (after 5 Juillet 1962 Stadium in Algiers and after Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria). It is the foremost Olympic-standard facility befitting the role of Cairo, Egypt as the center of events in the region. It is also the 69th largest stadium in the world. Located in Nasr City; a suburb north east of Cairo, it was completed in 1960, and was inaugurated by President Gamal Abdel Nasser on 23 July that year, the eighth anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of 1952.

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 10 km[2] (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. Cairo International Stadium has hosted over 120,000 fans for a match between El Zamalek football club and El Ahly football club.[3] Also known as the Cairo Derby. 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 African 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 memorable football moments that range from Hossam Hassan's famous header to secure Egypt's attendance in Italia 90 World Cup, numerous African 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.

Trivia

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References

Coordinates: 30°4′8.81″N 31°18′44.40″E / 30.0691139°N 31.3123333°E / 30.0691139; 31.3123333

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

2006
Succeeded by
Ohene Djan Stadium
Accra
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