Ever wondered what it feels like to stand in Zimbabwe’s largest stadium? The National Sports Stadium awaits us. Constructed in 1987 with help from the Chinese government, the National Sports Stadium has a seating capacity of 60000. It is located about 7 km west of Harare’s Central Business District. The National Sports Stadium sits near Warren Park suburb, adjacent to the National Heroes Acre.
This stadium covers 17 hectares between Warren Park and Belvedere suburbs. It has 31 bays to accommodate many spectators. The VIP section has room for 240 people. The National Sports Stadium isn’t just about size. It’s about the events that have unfolded here.
The grass football pitch measures 104 metres by 69 metres. Removable posts exist for football, volleyball, netball and tennis. The tartan surface around the football arenas is perfect for athletics. The National Sports Stadium has hosted long jump, discus and javelin events. Hammer throw, triple jump and shot put have also taken place here.
In 2007, the stadium temporarily closed due to cracks in one of the bays. The Chinese government assisted with renovations. The National Sports Stadium reopened in 2010. Vice President Joice Mujuru officiated the handover ceremony right here.
Think about the major events hosted at the National Sports Stadium. Local, regional and international activities from various fields occurred here. Besides being the home ground for Dynamos and Caps United football clubs, the stadium is the home of the national soccer team, the Warriors. Emmanuel Makandiwa of UFIC Church held his annual Catch the Fire concert here in 2013 and 2014. The stadium was filled to capacity. The historic Akon and Sean Paul music show rocked this stadium in 2011. Robert Mugabe’s swearing in ceremony took place at the National Sports Stadium in August 2013.
The Chinese government provided a grant for renovations. The project included roof repairs, new toilet facilities and a better sewer system. The scoreboard and public address system were updated. Substation equipment was also part of the upgrade. Offices were refurbished and redecorated.
The National Sports Stadium boasts several key features. There are offices, technical equipment rooms and changing rooms. Showers, an accreditation hall, and a public address system are available. An electronic scoreboard and timing system exist. Television and broadcasting rooms are present. Floodlights illuminate the stadium at night.
The National Sports Stadium also hosted Amnesty International’s Human Rights Now Benefit Concert in 1988. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band headlined. Sting, Peter Gabriel, Tracy Chapman, Youssou N’Dour and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi also performed. The 6th All-Africa Games were held here in 1995. The first leg of the 1998 CAF Champions League final occurred at the National Sports Stadium. Dynamos Harare played ASEC Mimosas.
On September 14, 2019, Robert Mugabe’s funeral was held at the National Sports Stadium. Leaders from many African countries attended. The stadium was about a quarter full. Today, the National Sports Stadium stands as a testament to Zimbabwe’s sporting spirit. It is a place where memories are made and history unfolds.