Marrakesh Stadium ( ar, ملعب مراكش, Berber: Annar n Mrraksh) is a multi-use stadium in Marrakesh,

Morocco Morocco (),, ) officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is the westernmost country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and has land borders with Algeria t ...

. It was designed by Gregotti Associati International. Completed in January 2012, it is used mostly for football matches with the capability of hosting Olympic Games. It is home to

Kawkab Marrakesh Kawkab Athlétique Club of Marrakech ( ar, الكوكب المراكشي; KACM) is a Moroccan professional football club based in Marrakech. The club was founded on 20 September 1947 by Hadj Idriss Talbi. Honours * Moroccan League First Divis ...

football team. The stadium has a capacity of 45,240 people. 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 The 2014 IAAF Continental Cup was an international track and field sporting event that was held in Marrakech, Morocco, on 13–14 September 2014. It was the second edition of the IAAF Continental Cup since the name and format was changed from t ...

, four games including the final in the

2014 FIFA Club World Cup The 2014 FIFA Club World Cup (officially known as the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014 presented by Toyota for sponsorship reasons) was the 11th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, a FIFA-organised international club football tournament between th ...

, and the

2014 African Championships in Athletics The 2014 African Championships in Athletics was held in Marrakech, Morocco from 10 to 14 August 2014. The competition was the 19th edition of Africa senior championships. The competition served as preparation to African athletes for the next conti ...

History

Construction

Launched on 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

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.

Means of access

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

International events

The stadium hosted the following international events: *

2013 FIFA Club World Cup Final The 2013 FIFA Club World Cup Final was the final match of the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup, an association football tournament hosted by Morocco. It was the 10th final of the FIFA Club World Cup, a FIFA-organised tournament between the winners of the ...

2014 FIFA Club World Cup Final The 2014 FIFA Club World Cup Final was the final match of the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, a football tournament hosted by Morocco. It was the 11th final of the FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament organised by FIFA between the winners of the six contin ...

References

External links

Photos of construction of stadiumStadium Guide Article
Football venues in Morocco S Buildings and structures in Marrakesh Athletics (track and field) venues in Morocco Sports venues completed in 2011 2011 establishments in Morocco Kawkab Marrakech {{Morocco-sports-venue-stub