Bahir Dar Stadium
- Capacity
- 60,000
- Year opened
- —
- Club
- —
- Country
- Ethiopia
Overview
About the stadium
Bahir Dar Stadium (Amharic: ባሕር ዳር ስታዲየም) is a multi-purpose venue located in Bahir Dar, in the Amhara Region of north-western Ethiopia. It is primarily used for association football (soccer) matches and also features facilities for athletics. With a capacity of 60,000 spectators, it ranks among the largest stadiums in the country.
Location and surroundings
The stadium stands in Bahir Dar, one of Ethiopia's largest cities and the capital of the Amhara Region, set on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Bahir Dar is a major administrative and tourist hub of north-western Ethiopia, and the stadium is one of its principal sporting facilities. The venue is scaled to host major league fixtures and potential national-team events, placing it among the country's leading outdoor sports grounds.
Main uses
This is a multi-purpose stadium whose core function is football. The grass pitch is surrounded by an athletics track, allowing the venue to stage track-and-field competitions as well. Its capacity of 60,000 seats makes it suitable for league matches, regional tournaments and other large sporting and public events. Ethiopian football is governed by the Ethiopian Football Federation and falls under CAF at continental level, so large stadiums of this kind play a key role in developing the domestic game.
History
Journey through time
The history of Bahir Dar Stadium is tied to the development of sports infrastructure in the Amhara Region. The stadium was built as one of the main multi-purpose venues of north-western Ethiopia and gradually became one of the largest in the country.
Construction and opening
The stadium was developed in Bahir Dar as part of efforts to strengthen the region's sporting facilities. From the outset it was conceived as a multi-purpose ground with a grass pitch and athletics facilities, reflecting the widespread model of large African stadiums that serve both football and track-and-field.
Major renovations
The stadium is currently undergoing extensive renovation and reconstruction. According to available information, this work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The modernisation is intended to raise the standard of the facilities and the playing surface and to reinforce the venue's standing among Ethiopia's leading grounds.
Notable moments
Given its size and location in one of the most important cities of the Amhara Region, the stadium serves as a venue for league fixtures and regional sporting events. As one of the largest stadiums in Ethiopia, it is an important site for the domestic game played under the continental federation CAF. Specific details of individual historic matches are not extensively documented in available sources.
Atmosphere
Matchday
The atmosphere at Bahir Dar Stadium is shaped by the passion of Ethiopian fans for football and the venue's standing as one of the largest stadiums in the country. The big capacity of 60,000 seats creates a powerful backdrop for major fixtures.
Fan culture
Football is among the most popular sports in Ethiopia, and large stadiums such as the one in Bahir Dar draw substantial crowds. During league fixtures and regional matches the stands fill with home supporters who generate a loud and colourful atmosphere. The multi-purpose layout with an athletics track allows the action to be followed from a distance, so that even a packed stand acts as a single unit behind its team.
Big matches
The stadium hosts fixtures of the Ethiopian league competition as well as regional events within Amhara. As one of the few large-capacity venues in the country, it is also suited to higher-profile matches with strong attendances. Ethiopian football falls under the continental federation CAF, so stadiums of this size play a part in staging more prestigious domestic and international fixtures. Once the ongoing reconstruction is complete, the venue's importance for big matches is expected to grow further.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
A visit to Bahir Dar Stadium is tied to a stay in Bahir Dar, the tourist and administrative hub of the Amhara Region on the shore of Lake Tana. The stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 seats, is one of the main sporting venues of north-western Ethiopia.
How to get there
The stadium is located within the city of Bahir Dar, which is well connected via Ethiopia's main roads and by air thanks to its local airport. Within the city, the venue can be reached by ordinary public transport and taxis. Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia's largest cities, so the area around the stadium offers standard urban amenities.
Tickets and tours
Tickets are usually sold in connection with specific league or regional fixtures. Given the ongoing renovation, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, current operations and match availability may change. Visitors are advised to confirm the current schedule with the organisers.
Visitor tips
- When to come: for Ethiopian league and regional fixtures; check the exact schedule in advance because of the ongoing reconstruction.
- What to bring: sun protection and water, as the venue is open-air.
- What to combine with a visit: sightseeing in Bahir Dar, Lake Tana and the surrounding natural and cultural attractions.
Map
Where to find the stadium
Rating
Your rating
No ratings yet
Plan your visit
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Accommodation
Booking.com — affiliate ID not configured
Stadium tour
GetYourGuide — partner ID not configured
Match tickets
Ticombo — affiliate ID not configured
Some links are affiliate — if you purchase, we earn a small commission (no extra cost to you).
