National Stadium (Sierra Leone)

National Stadium
Full name Freetown National Stadium
Former names Siaka Steven Stadium
Location Freetown, Sierra Leone
Owner Sierra Leone government
Operator Sierra Leone Football Association
Capacity 45,000[1]
Surface Grass
Construction
Built 1980
Opened 1980
Tenants
Sierra Leone national football team, East End Lions, Mighty Blackpool, Ports Authority F.C., Kallon F.C.

Freetown National Stadium is a multi-use national stadium of Sierra Leone, located in the capital city of Freetown. It is used mostly for football matches and it also has athletics facilities. It is the largest stadium in Sierra Leone and has a 45,000 capacity.[2] The stadium serves as the exclusive home of the Sierra Leone national football team, as well as a venue for social, cultural, and religious events.

History

Built in 1980 as Siaka Stevens Stadium (named after President Siaka Stevens), the stadium's name was changed in 1992 when a coup was launched by a group of young military officers which established themselves as the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). In 2008, fans called for the change of the back to Siaka Stevens Stadium, citing a lack of sporting success since the change.[3]

The previous stadium that was there was called Reckrie. Reckrie was completely demolished in the late 70s, and China won a contract to build a stadium originally named National Stadium. It was changed to Siaka Steven Stadium before the official opening in 1980.

External links

References

Coordinates: 8°28′46.4″N 13°14′56.6″W / 8.479556°N 13.249056°W / 8.479556; -13.249056

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