Al-Shaab Stadium

Al-Shaab Stadium is a multi-purpose sports venue in Baghdad with an athletics track surrounding a natural grass field. The facility accommodates about 35,000 spectators in open stands and meets international standards for football matches and track-and-field events.

The stadium opened on November 6, 1966, with support from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, marking a major development in Iraqi sports infrastructure. Its creation reflected the nation's commitment to hosting competitive events at international standards.

The name Al-Shaab means 'The People' in Arabic, representing this place as the main venue where Iraqis gather for national sports events. Fans and athletes from across the country come together to share their enthusiasm for competition.

The venue is easiest to access during regular opening hours, with designated parking areas available on the grounds. Visitors should bring sun protection and water since the open stands offer little shelter from the sun and weather.

From 2003 to 2005, the U.S. military converted the stadium into an operational airstrip, an unusual wartime transformation that many visitors do not know about. This period marks a lesser-known chapter in the site's recent past.

Location: Baghdad

Official opening: November 6, 1966

Capacity: 35000

GPS coordinates: 33.32491,44.43544

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40