Marrakesh Stadium (Arabic: ملعب مراكش, Berber: Annar n Mrraksh), is a multi-use stadium in Marrakesh, Morocco. It was designed by Gregotti Associati International.

Marrakesh Stadium
Marrakesh Stadium in 2013
Map
Full nameGrand Stade de Marrakech
الملعب الكبير بمدينة مراكــش
LocationMarrakesh, Morocco
Capacity45,240[1][2]
SurfaceGrass
Construction
OpenedJanuary 5, 2011
ArchitectGregotti Associati International
Tenants
Kawkab Marrakech (2011–present)
Morocco national football team (selected matches)

Completed in January 2012, it is used mostly for football matches with the capability of hosting Olympic Games. It is home to Kawkab Marrakesh football team. The stadium has a capacity for 45,240 spectators.[1][2] It replaces Stade Al Harti as the home of Kawkab Marrakech and as the main stadium of the city.

It hosted the 2014 IAAF Continental Cup, four games including the final in the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2014 African Championships in Athletics.

It will be one of the venues for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. It is one of the potential venues for the 2030 FIFA World Cup which Morocco will co-host along with Portugal and Spain.

History

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Construction

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Launched in September 2003, the construction of the stadium lasted 7 years and 3 months. Inauguration took place on January 5, 2011, with friendlies involving two Moroccan teams; Kawkab Marrakech and Wydad Casablanca facing two French teams; Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint Germain.

Criticism

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After more than seven years in construction, the Marrakchis people and the contributors unveiled the first stadium in the world to be both rectangular and host a running track. The criticism from that branched from these constructive decisions is that the distance from the running track to the bleachers is much too far. Considered a fault to the builders, the space contrast is attributed to a lack of potential spectators in the stadium, who avoid the stadium due to poor vision.[3]

Means of access

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The stadium is located 11 kilometres (7 mi) north of Marrakesh. It is served by the international airport Marrakesh - Menara at fourteen kilometres, and the railway station of the city. Access to the stadium is provided by sixteen doors and a grand entrance.

See also

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International events

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The stadium hosted the following international events:

References

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  1. ^ a b "Stade de Marrakech". 2021-11-19. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
  2. ^ a b "Marrakech Stadium". FIFA. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013.
  3. ^ Grand Stade de Marrakech, The Stadium Guide
  4. ^ Sunderland, Tom. "FIFA Club World Cup 2013: Bayern Munich vs. Raja Casablanca Result and Key Men". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  5. ^ "Bayern Munich 2-0 Raja Casablanca". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  6. ^ Peters, Jerrad. "San Lorenzo vs. Real Madrid: Winners and Losers from Club World Cup Game". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  7. ^ "Real Madrid downs San Lorenzo in Club World Cup - Sportsnet.ca". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
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31°42′24″N 7°58′50″W / 31.70667°N 7.98056°W / 31.70667; -7.98056