Borg El Arab Stadium

Borg El Arab Stadium is one of Africa’s largest football grounds, with an official capacity of approximately 86,000. Located west of Alexandria, the stadium hosts selected Egypt international matches as well as major fixtures involving Al Ahly, Zamalek, Al Ittihad Alexandria and other Egyptian clubs.

Its immense bowl, athletics track and exposed upper tiers create a scale that is difficult to appreciate until the stadium begins to fill. For the biggest international and continental matches, Borg El Arab becomes a wall of noise, flags and red shirts.

Borg El Arab Stadium at a Glance

The stadium is sometimes described as having opened in 2007 and sometimes in 2009. Construction was substantially completed during the earlier period, while its major international inauguration came with the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Overview

Borg El Arab Stadium was developed as part of Egypt’s preparations for its unsuccessful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The bid did not succeed, but the country was left with a stadium built on a scale usually associated with major global tournaments.

The ground stands in Amreya, to the west of central Alexandria and relatively close to Borg El Arab International Airport. Despite frequently being called an Alexandria stadium, it is not in the centre of the city. This is important for visitors, particularly those assuming they can walk from Alexandria’s seafront or arrive quickly by urban public transport.

The stadium’s 86,000 seats make it one of the largest football venues in Africa. It has become an important alternative to Cairo International Stadium for Egypt internationals, CAF club matches and domestic fixtures requiring a very large crowd.

When Egypt play a decisive qualifier here, Borg El Arab feels less like a neutral national venue and more like a vast red amphitheatre.

History and Development

Construction began in the mid-2000s as part of a wider programme intended to strengthen Egypt’s sporting infrastructure. The project was overseen by the Egyptian Armed Forces, which explains why the venue is also known as the Egyptian Army Stadium.

The complex was designed as more than a football ground. It includes athletics facilities, training pitches, accommodation, internal roads, parking and support buildings. The scale of the site reflects Egypt’s original ambition to create an international-standard sporting district capable of handling major tournaments.

Borg El Arab received its first major global exposure in September 2009, when it staged the opening ceremony and opening match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Egypt defeated Trinidad and Tobago 4–1 in front of a crowd reported at more than 80,000.

Since then, the stadium has hosted:

• Egypt World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
• CAF Champions League matches
• CAF Confederation Cup fixtures
• Egyptian Premier League matches
• Domestic cup games
• Matches involving Al Ahly and Zamalek
• Selected fixtures for Alexandria-based clubs

It does not operate as the permanent home of one dominant club. Instead, it functions as a national and regional event stadium, brought fully to life for matches capable of attracting tens of thousands of supporters.

Stadium Design

Borg El Arab is a huge, continuous oval bowl arranged around a football pitch and eight-lane athletics track. Its form prioritises capacity, crowd movement and multi-sport use.

The running track creates considerable distance between the stands and the pitch, particularly behind the goals. Supporters looking for the clearest tactical view will usually prefer central seats along either touchline. Those seeking the loudest experience may favour the areas occupied by organised support, although allocations change according to the fixture.

A large roof covers the principal stand, but much of the stadium remains exposed. Shade can therefore be limited during afternoon events, while evening matches can feel cooler than visitors expect due to the stadium’s open construction and location west of Alexandria.

The wider complex reportedly includes:

• Two training grounds
• Athletics facilities
• A hotel and player accommodation
• Media and conference areas
• Restaurants and refreshment points
• Extensive car and coach parking
• More than 100 electronic entry points
• Internal roads serving the stadium complex

The stadium occupies a very large site. Reaching the correct gate can take time, particularly when traffic controls and security cordons are in operation.

Seating and the Best Views

Borg El Arab’s seats rise across broad lower and upper tiers. The size of the bowl means the viewing experience varies considerably.

Best seats for the overall view

Central sections along the main stand provide the strongest perspective of the pitch. They are also more likely to benefit from roof coverage, improved facilities and easier access to premium areas.

Best seats for atmosphere

The most vocal areas depend on the teams playing and the matchday allocation. Egypt internationals and major club fixtures can produce large organised displays, coordinated chanting and sustained noise behind the goals.

Seats to approach carefully

Upper-tier seats behind the goals can feel distant from the action because of the running track and the depth of the stadium. They still provide a fine impression of the full arena, but they are less suitable for supporters wanting a close view of individual players.

Accessibility

The stadium was designed with dedicated entrances and facilities for disabled visitors. Practical arrangements can vary between events, so supporters should confirm accessible seating, parking and companion-ticket procedures with the organiser before travelling.

Matchday Atmosphere

Borg El Arab is at its best when hosting a match with genuine consequence. Egypt’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign provided one of its defining moments.

On 8 October 2017, Egypt defeated Congo 2–1 at the stadium. Mohamed Salah scored a stoppage-time penalty to secure Egypt’s first World Cup appearance since 1990. The attendance was reported at around 86,000, and the celebration that followed remains one of the most memorable scenes in modern Egyptian football.

The stadium’s open oval structure does allow some sound to escape, particularly when the crowd is scattered. At capacity, however, the sheer number of supporters compensates. Chants roll around the tiers, flags dominate the sightlines and major goals trigger a physical surge of noise.

Smaller fixtures can feel lost inside such a vast ground. Borg El Arab needs a substantial audience to reveal its character.

Major Matches and Events

Important events staged at Borg El Arab include:

Its most enduring role has been as a high-capacity stage for Egyptian football’s biggest occasions. Club tenancy can change, but the stadium’s national importance remains.

How to Get to Borg El Arab Stadium

The stadium is outside central Alexandria, so visitors should plan transport before matchday.

From central Alexandria

A taxi, ride-hailing service or pre-arranged car is usually the most practical choice. Travel times vary sharply depending on traffic and security restrictions. Supporters should allow considerably more time than a normal map estimate suggests.

Public transport close to the stadium can be limited and may not be convenient after evening matches. A return journey should ideally be arranged in advance.

From Borg El Arab International Airport

The airport is roughly 10 kilometres from the stadium, making it the closest major arrival point. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is the simplest option. Airport services may take passengers towards Alexandria rather than directly to the stadium, so check the destination before boarding.

By car

The stadium is accessible from the Cairo to Alexandria Desert Road and surrounding regional routes. The complex has extensive parking, reportedly accommodating thousands of cars and hundreds of buses.

Parking availability and entry gates may change for high-security fixtures. Follow the instructions printed on the ticket or issued by the match organiser.

Tickets and Entry

Ticket arrangements depend on the competition and organiser. Egypt internationals, CAF matches and domestic club fixtures may use different platforms or authorised sales outlets.

Visitors should:

• Buy through the official federation, club or approved ticket provider
• Carry valid identification
• Check whether the ticket is linked to a named supporter
• Confirm the correct gate and seating section
• Avoid unofficial sellers near the stadium
• Arrive several hours early for major fixtures

Security checks can be thorough. Large bags, professional camera equipment, bottles, fireworks and certain banners may be prohibited. Regulations can change from one event to another.

Foreign visitors should keep a passport or a secure copy available if identification is required.

Food and Drink

Refreshment points operate within the complex, although availability can depend on attendance and event management. Expect simple matchday food, bottled drinks and snacks rather than an extensive stadium dining experience.

Eating before travelling to the stadium is often sensible. The ground is not surrounded by the dense network of restaurants and pubs familiar to supporters visiting central European stadiums.

Alcohol should not be expected inside the venue. Visitors should also respect local laws and matchday security rules.

Where to Stay

There are some hotels and resorts in the Borg El Arab and King Mariout areas, but many international visitors will prefer to stay in Alexandria.

Central Alexandria offers:

• A wider selection of hotels
• Restaurants and cafés
• Access to the Corniche
• Historic attractions
• Better options for exploring the city outside matchday

The disadvantage is the journey to and from the stadium. For an evening match, arrange transport back to Alexandria before leaving your hotel.

Staying near Borg El Arab Airport may be more convenient for a short visit centred entirely on the match, though the area provides less of the Alexandria experience.

Things to See in Alexandria

A visit to Borg El Arab Stadium can be combined with several of Egypt’s most important cultural attractions.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The modern library stands near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Its museums, exhibitions and striking waterfront design make it one of the city’s essential stops.

Citadel of Qaitbay

This 15th-century fortress occupies a commanding position on the Mediterranean coast, close to where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.

Alexandria Corniche

The coastal road provides long sea views and access to cafés, restaurants and many of the city’s central districts.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

The catacombs combine Egyptian, Greek and Roman artistic traditions. They offer a far older form of crowd management, though fortunately the occupants are rather quieter.

Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum

The monumental Roman column and surrounding archaeological remains provide another useful stop for visitors interested in Alexandria’s ancient past.

Practical Matchday Advice

• Check the fixture location shortly before travelling, as Egyptian matches can be moved.
• Do not assume the announced capacity will be available for every event.
• Arrange return transport in advance.
• Allow extra time for road closures and security checks.
• Carry identification and retain your ticket throughout the visit.
• Bring sun protection for an afternoon fixture.
• Take a light outer layer for cooler evening conditions.
• Use only authorised ticket sellers.
• Confirm which items are permitted before arriving.
• Avoid planning a tight airport connection immediately after the match.

Is Borg El Arab Stadium Worth Visiting?

Borg El Arab is worth visiting for its scale alone, but the quality of the experience depends heavily on the fixture. A lightly attended domestic match can leave enormous sections of the stadium empty. An Egypt qualifier or major CAF contest is an entirely different event.

Its remote location and running track prevent it from being an intimate football ground. That is not really the point. Borg El Arab is a stadium built for mass occasions, when 80,000 people arrive with the same hope and the entire bowl begins to move.

Catch it on the right night and it ranks among Africa’s most imposing football experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capacity of Borg El Arab Stadium?

The commonly reported capacity is approximately 86,000 seated spectators.

Where is Borg El Arab Stadium?

The stadium is in Amreya, west of central Alexandria in Egypt. It is close to Borg El Arab International Airport and the Cairo to Alexandria Desert Road.

Who plays at Borg El Arab Stadium?

The Egypt national team uses it for selected matches. Al Ahly, Zamalek, Smouha, Al Ittihad Alexandria and other Egyptian clubs have also played important fixtures there.

Does Borg El Arab Stadium have a running track?

Yes. An eight-lane athletics track surrounds the football pitch, placing spectators farther from the playing area than at a football-specific stadium.

Is Borg El Arab Stadium in central Alexandria?

No. It is outside the city centre, so visitors should arrange road transport and allow additional time on matchdays.

What was the stadium’s most famous match?

Egypt’s 2–1 victory over Congo in October 2017 is a leading contender. Mohamed Salah’s late penalty secured the country’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Can visitors take a stadium tour?

Regular public tours are not widely advertised. Access is generally tied to matches and official events, so prospective visitors should contact the relevant organiser before travelling.