Basra International Stadium - Iraq National Team Stadium Guide

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By Football Tripper
Last Updated: July 13, 2021

Exterior of Basra football stadium

Basra Sports City Stadium is the new home of the Iraqi National Football Team having first opened in 2013. Built to replace the ageing Al-Shaab Stadium, Basra Sports City boast some of the most modern and cutting edge facilities in the entire Middle East region.

Iraq National Team Stadium Guide

Stadium Facts

Overview
Team:Iraq National Team
Opened:2013
Capacity:65,000
Address: Sports City Complex, Basra, Basra Governorate
Stadium Names
Names:Palm Trunk Stadium (nickname), Basra Sports City Stadium
Construction Details
Architect:360 Architecture

Basra International Stadium History

Basra Sports City was constructed over a four year period between 15th July 2009 and 12th October 2013 at a reported cost of £550 million – just over half a billion.

Funded by the Government of Iraq, the sports complex boasts a large international sports stadium, a secondary 20,000 capacity venue, Olympic sports facilities, and numerous accommodation options including several Five Star Hotels.

Designed by the American company 360 Architecture who lent a hand to Avaya Stadium, and built by Thornton Tomasetti structural engineers responsible for Kansas Sporting Park, the Iraqi National Team’s new home is a world-class stadium on par with leading grounds in Europe and North America.

The Main stadium of the project which is usually referred to as either Basra Sports City Stadium or Basra International Stadium is capable of seating an estimated 65,000 supporters per match across two-tiers of seating divided into upper and lower sections.

To mark the opening of the stadium teams from Basra, Baghdad, Egypt and Lebanon attended a mini-tournament held on 12th October 2013. The inaugural fixtures were controversial and resulted in fines for the visiting teams as FIFA at the time had banned Iraq from hosting International football Matches!

How to get to Basra International Stadium

Where is Basra International Stadium?


Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays at Basra International Stadium?

Iraqi side Iraq National Team play their home matches at Basra International Stadium.

What is the capacity of Basra International Stadium?

As of 2024 Basra International Stadium has an official seating capacity of 65,000 for Football matches.

When was Basra International Stadium opened?

Basra International Stadium officially opened in 2013 and is home to Iraq National Team

Are there any Covid restrictions at the stadium?

Covid Restrictions may be in place when you visit Basra International Stadium in 2024. Please visit the official website of Iraq National Team for full information on changes due to the Coronavirus.

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