Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda will have a fully refurbished world-class Amahoro National Stadium that not only meets FIFA requirements but also aligns with the standards of the World Athletics Federation, well before the August deadline, engineers handling the face-lift that started in 2022 have said.
Since August 31, 2022, the country’s main stadium was undergoing a major face-lift to turn it into an ultra-modern sports ground by the end of 2024. The renovations include expanding the seating capacity from 25,000 to 45,000, enhancing outer facilities such as Petit Stade for basketball and indoor games, the Paralympics gymnasium, parking and access roads as well as the perimeter fence.
The construction, led by the Turkish firm SUMMA in collaboration with local construction firms including NPD Cotraco, Real Contractors, and Gasabo 3D Design as project supervisor, aims to elevate the stadium to international standards.
“We are following FIFA guidelines to secure certification, ensuring that the completed project can host games and events at international level,” Eng. Jean Claude Niyonzima, the Project Manager representing Gasabo 3D, said on Thursday, January 11, while giving The New Times a guided tour around the very busy construction site.
Four days later, on Monday, January 15, Niyonzima said the construction works were at 86 percent. The projected completion time is in August but, he said, “the team is committed to deliver well before deadline,” despite the weather and international procurement challenges involved.
The last time The New Times had an inside tour of the facility was on May 26, 2023, nearly nine months after the half-demolition of the old structure.
In addition to meeting FIFA standards, the new stadium is designed to host major athletics events, since it has an eight-lane running track that aligns with international standards. It boasts various amenities including a VVIP area for dignitaries, VIP lounges for business discussions and game enjoyment, and a media area that will be well equipped for press coverage.
The playing surface of the stadium is a hybrid one, blending natural grass and artificial turf. This is designed to provide extended durability and ensure more playing hours as compared to a 100 percent natural grass pitch. It will be nourished by an automatic irrigation system already installed.
Technologies including modern lighting as well as sound and heat insulations that create optimal temperature and sound conditions enhance the stadium. Outside, the facility has 10 access points, while inside, there are 10 gates for people to enter the stadium.
Conference areas, offices, retailing areas for commercial activities and other essential facilities that are part of the stadium will be operational 24/7 as a way of enabling it to make money during days when no matches are being played.
An inside view of Rwanda’s revamped Amahoro National Stadium, as seen on January 11, 2024. Engineers say the new 45,000-seater sports facility will be ready before the August construction deadline. Photo by Dan Gatsinzi
Niyonzima told The New Times that the facility is prepared for seismic factors such as earthquakes, since the construction team employed piling foundation technology, a technique that involves digging more than 10 meters down and utilizing over 1,500 columns for added stability.
The stadium is designed with flexibility in mind for future integration of more technologies such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and modern e-ticketing systems.
With 10 elevators and 450 specially designated seats, the facility provides easy accessibility for persons with disabilities and any other special mobility needs.
Externally, an Imigongo – Rwandan traditional art patterns – arts façade enhances the stadium’s beauty with vibrant night lighting adding a distinctive touch to Kigali’s skyline.
The new facility will, among others, be a year-round entertainment and leisure destination. The new-look Amahoro National Stadium will have shops, restaurants, bars, and other commercial premises, which will boost its sustainability – and allow it to function even in the absence of sports activities or other events.
The project also includes the renovation of Petit Stade to comply with International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) standards. The old Paralympic playground was also completely razed and rebuilt since all facilities must have the same look and feel as the nearby BK Arena in terms of facade design. Petit Stade, and the neighbouring Paralympics Gymnasium were beautified with a façade similar to that of BK Arena where Imigongo patterns are used on the façade.
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