Alassane Ouattara Stadium
Foto: Monnivhoir Aymar Kouamé · Pexels License · zdroj
- Capacity
- 60,012
- Year opened
- 2020
- Club
- —
- Country
- Ivory Coast
Overview
About the stadium
Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium – abbreviated Stade Olympique d'Ebimpé – is the largest football and multifunctional stadium in Côte d'Ivoire and one of the most modern sports facilities in Africa. It is located on the northwest edge of Abidjan in the suburban neighborhood of Ebimpé, in the cadastral area between the municipalities of Ebimpé and Anyama, approximately 16–20 km from the historic city center. The stadium was opened on October 3, 2020, and is named after the current Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara. The arena has a capacity of 60,012 seats, making it the premier venue for the national football team Les Éléphants (the Elephants). Architecturally, it combines a modern facade with tropical climate elements and features a training hall, media center, and international-level VIP zones. As the main venue for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 (AFCON 2023) – held in January and February 2024 – it has etched its place in the continent's football history.
History
Journey through time
The idea to construct a new national stadium in Côte d'Ivoire had been developing for many years; the old stand Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny from 1964 was no longer sufficient in capacity or technology. The government of President Ouattara opted for an ambitious project, with formal construction beginning on December 22, 2016, marked by a ceremonial laying of the foundation stone in the presence of Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan and a representative from the Chinese embassy.
The contract was awarded to Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG), one of the largest Chinese construction companies. The architectural documentation was prepared by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD). Funding was mixed: the Ivorian state contributed approximately 80 billion CFA francs while the Chinese side provided an interest-free loan of 300 million CNY (approximately 63 billion CFA). The total investment thus exceeded 143 billion CFA, roughly 218 million euros. About 1,000 workers – 350 Chinese and 650 Ivorians – worked on the construction for four years.
BCEG completed the construction in 2020, and President Ouattara ceremonially opened the stadium on October 3 of the same year. It was originally built with the aim of hosting AFCON 2021, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to 2023, and the tournament itself was held from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Côte d'Ivoire due to unfavorable weather conditions in Cameroon.
AFCON 2023 became a pivotal milestone for the stadium in Ebimpé. The arena hosted group matches, knockout rounds, and the famous final on February 11, 2024, where Côte d'Ivoire defeated Nigeria 2-1. After a 1-1 draw in the first half, a second goal from Franck Kessié secured the victory, with Sébastien Haller confirming the result. Ivorian euphoria swept across the entire country – this was the third title for the Elephants at the AFCON (after 1992 and 2015) and the first won on home soil. The stadium in Ebimpé thus became a symbol of Ivorian football triumph.
Atmosphere
Matchday
The atmosphere at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium is inseparably linked to Ivorian football identity. The national team Les Éléphants (the Elephants) has long been a continental powerhouse, and fans simply refer to them as "les Éléphants" – proudly referencing the national emblem. The stands of the stadium are awash in orange, the symbol of the Ivorian national jersey, and the chorus of fans accompanied by drums and trumpets creates an unmistakable sub-Saharan soundscape.
The Elephants club experienced its golden age in the first decade of the 21st century. At that time, stars of world stature shone in the team: Didier Drogba – an icon of Chelsea and a national hero – was the face of a generation that repeatedly brought Côte d'Ivoire to the World Cup. Yaya Touré, a champion with both Barcelona and Manchester City, commanded the midfield with authority and elegance. Gervinho captivated fans with his speed and technique both in Turin and Rome and on home pitches. These players led the national team to the AFCON 1992 title (a success under a different generation), but especially to the AFCON 2015 triumph in Equatorial Guinea – winning the penalty shootout against Ghana.
AFCON 2023, played in February 2024, brought truly exceptional moments to the stadium in Ebimpé. Throughout the tournament – despite some surprising setbacks in the group stage – fans never stopped believing. On the day of the final, the stadium was sold out, the air filled with national pride, and the 2-1 victory over Nigeria triggered celebrations that Abidjan hadn't seen in generations. The stadium in Ebimpé thus transformed into not only a significant part of sporting history but also a site of collective memory for the nation.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium is located in the suburban neighborhood of Ebimpé, on the northwest edge of Abidjan, approximately 16–20 km from the city center and the Plateau district. Access is provided by a highway connecting Abidjan's center with the Anyama area; the taxi or private car journey takes about 30–45 minutes under normal traffic, and longer during peak times.
Intercity taxis and shared minibuses (gbaka) operate from northern Abidjan hubs towards Anyama, from where the stadium is accessible by local transport or on foot. During major matches, Ivorian transport provides additional services. Parking is available directly at the stadium with capacity for hundreds of vehicles.
The surroundings of Ebimpé present a calm suburban environment with mixed development. Larger restaurants, shops, and services can be found along the route back to Abidjan or in the city center itself. For fans traveling from afar, practical accommodations can be found in Abidjan (in the Cocody, Marcory, or Plateau districts), from where reaching the stadium on time is hassle-free.
Map
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Abidžan, Ivory Coast
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