The Cairo International Stadium, also known as Stad El Qahira El Dawly, is an Olympic-standard, multi-use stadium located in the Nasr City suburb of Cairo, Egypt [1]. The stadium was designed by German architect Werner March, who also designed the Olympic Stadium in Berlin [2]. It was completed in 1960 and inaugurated by President Gamal Abdel Nasser [3]. With an all-seated capacity of 75,000, the Cairo International Stadium is the second largest stadium in the Arab world, after Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria [4][5][6][7][8][9]. The stadium's location and size make it a significant landmark in the city of Cairo and a popular destination for sports enthusiasts.

The Cairo International Stadium serves as a venue for a range of sporting events, including football, athletics, and basketball. It is primarily used for football matches and is home to two of Egypt's most successful football clubs, Al-Ahly and Zamalek [10]. The stadium has also hosted numerous international sporting events, including the African Cup of Nations, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the African Athletics Championships [1]. The stadium's Olympic-standard facilities have made it a popular destination for athletes and sports teams from around the world.

The Cairo International Stadium is a significant cultural and social landmark in Egypt. It has hosted numerous cultural events, including concerts by international artists such as Michael Jackson, U2, and Shakira [1]. The stadium has also been used for political rallies and demonstrations, including the 2011 Egyptian Revolution [1]. The stadium's central location and large capacity have made it an important gathering place for Egyptians from all walks of life. Overall, the Cairo International Stadium is a symbol of Egypt's rich sporting and cultural heritage.

Features and Facilities of Cairo International Stadium

Cairo International Stadium, located in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a seating capacity of 75,000 [5]. The stadium was initially called Nasser Stadium when it first opened in 1960 and was updated in 2006 to meet CAF standards for all-seated stadiums, reducing the capacity from 85,000 to 75,000 [2]. Before the renovation, the stadium had a capacity of 100,000 [1]. The stadium is considered one of the best in the world and is home to Al-Zamalek Cairo FC and Al-Ahly Cairo FC [11].

Cairo International Stadium is well-equipped with various sports facilities and equipment [12]. It has an aquatic obstacle, triple jump patch, pole vault box, high jump, and disc and shot facilities [13]. Additionally, the stadium has a multi-purpose field, martial arts field, bowling hall, squash hall, changing rooms, and player rooms [14]. The stadium also has an indoor halls complex, which features four Olympic-standard indoor sports arenas for basketball, volleyball, handball, and fencing [15][16]. The complex can accommodate up to 6,464 spectators and has VIP and front loge seating options [17].

In addition to its sports facilities, Cairo International Stadium also has accommodations for both spectators and athletes. The stadium can accommodate up to 12,000 spectators and has various seating options, including VIP and front loge seating [18]. The stadium also has changing rooms and player rooms for athletes [14]. The stadium management has plans to convert it into a fully integrated sports hub, which will be the first of its kind in the world [19]. With its impressive facilities and accommodations, Cairo International Stadium is a world-class venue for sports events and competitions.

Events and Significance of Cairo International Stadium

Cairo International Stadium, also known as Stad El Qahira El Dawly, is a significant venue for hosting major sporting events. With a capacity of 75,000, it is an Olympic-standard, multi-use stadium that has hosted several international sports events, including handball, volleyball, and soccer matches [20] [19]. The stadium is particularly well-known for hosting major soccer matches, such as the 2006 African Cup of Nations and the 1991 All-Africa Games [21]. The stadium's rich history of hosting major sporting events has cemented its status as a symbol of Egyptian football and sports history [2] [22].

The cultural and political significance of Cairo International Stadium cannot be overlooked. The stadium was completed in 1960 and inaugurated by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, making it a symbol of national pride and modernization efforts in Egypt [2]. Additionally, the stadium has played a role in shaping the political landscape of Egypt, as evidenced by the power and influence of ultras groups associated with Cairo's main football clubs [23]. The stadium's cultural and political significance has made it a landmark in Cairo, attracting both locals and tourists alike [24] [25].

The impact of Cairo International Stadium extends beyond the realm of sports and politics. The stadium has had a significant impact on the community and tourism industry. Its location in Nasr City, a suburb northeast of Cairo, has contributed to the development of nearby urban environments that emphasize tourism and entertainment [26]. The stadium has also served as a venue for international conferences and fairs, contributing to the growth of the local economy [19]. In addition, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has organized events at the stadium for youth delegations participating in national events, highlighting the stadium's role in promoting community engagement and development [27].

References

1. Cairo International Stadium: History, Capacity, Events & .... (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from sportsmatik.com
2. Cairo International Stadium. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_International_Stadium
3. A brief history of Cairo Stadium - Enterprise News. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from enterprise.press
4. stadium history. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from http://www.cairo-stadium.org.eg/History.aspx
5. Cairo International Stadium. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.stadiumguide.com/cairo-international-stadium/
6. Cairo International Stadium - Cairo, EG Meetings and Events. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.cvent.com
7. Cairo International Stadium-SIS. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.sis.gov.eg
8. General Authority of Cairo Stadium. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from http://www.cairo-stadium.org.eg/
9. Cairo International Stadium. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.sportskeeda.com/football/cairo-international-stadium
10. Cairo International Stadium. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from worldofstadiums.com
11. Cairo International Stadium. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from stadiumdb.com
12. Cairo International Stadium. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from cityseeker.com/cairo/387739-cairo-international-stadium
13. Stadium Locations. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from http://www.cairo-stadium.org.eg/Location.aspx?id=16
14. 40 thousand spectators Football Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from issuu.com
15. Cairo International Stadium, Egypt. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from pro.harman.com
16. Cairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_Stadium_Indoor_Halls_Complex
17. Stadium Locations. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from http://www.cairo-stadium.org.eg/Location.aspx?id=17
18. The Indoor Sports Hall Complex - Cairo. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.arabcont.com/english/project-42
19. 58-yo Cairo International Stadium to become fully .... (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.egypttoday.com
20. stadium events. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from http://www.cairo-stadium.org.eg/Events.aspx
21. Cairo International Stadium. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from eventseeker.com
22. Innovation of Cairo Stadium to be completed on 15 May. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.dailynewsegypt.com
23. Cairo's Football Ultras | A Brief but Significant History. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.through-the-turnstiles.com/ultras/cairos-footbal-ultras
24. Cairo International Stadium - All You Need to Know .... (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.tripadvisor.com
25. Tourism in Cairo. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from moderncity.georgetown.domains/cairo/tourism-in-cairo/
26. Sports Infrastructure, Sports Entertainment, and Reshaping .... (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.focusongeography.org
27. A sports day at Cairo International Stadium for the .... (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from nasseryouthmovement.net/Nasser-fellowship-2133