Faith Nyasuguta
China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) has sealed a deal with the Tanzanian Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports to erect a football stadium in Arusha, Tanzania’s northern hub, set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, expressed enthusiasm at the signing ceremony, envisioning the stadium as a multifaceted venue. “Upon its completion, the stadium will not only hold football games, but also commercial activities and official government ceremonies,” he remarked, highlighting its versatility.
Ndumbaro stressed the stadium’s potential to invigorate tourism in Arusha, a renowned safari destination. “It will continuously attract tourists to boost tourism in Arusha, also known as the safari capital,” he noted, emphasizing its significance as a new landmark for the city.
The stadium, boasting a capacity of 30,000 seats, will occupy 14.57 hectares of land and adhere to the stringent standards set by the Confederation of African Football and FIFA. This commitment to quality ensures that the venue will serve as a fitting stage for the prestigious AFCON tournament.
Tanzania, along with Kenya and Uganda, will jointly host the 2027 AFCON, a testament to the region’s growing prominence in international football. This collaborative effort illuminates the collective ambition to showcase Africa’s sporting prowess on the global stage.
Zhou Zejun, chief engineer of CRCEG in East Africa, shed light on the stadium’s design philosophy, drawing inspiration from Tanzanian symbols. “The stadium’s design inspiration comes from Tanzanite and Mount Kilimanjaro, while its colors stem from the Tanzanian national flag,” Zhou explained, highlighting the integration of local culture into the architectural vision.
Zhou further elaborated on the stadium’s architectural features, emphasizing its functionality and aesthetic appeal. “The overall architectural style is light and simple, perfectly integrating the local environment and culture,” he noted.
The design incorporates innovative elements such as large-span steel structures and cantilevered seating arrangements, ensuring an immersive and comfortable viewing experience for spectators.
As construction commences on this ambitious project, anticipation mounts for the completion of a world-class sporting facility that will not only enhance Tanzania’s football infrastructure but also serve as a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage.
With its multifunctional design and commitment to excellence, the Arusha football stadium is poised to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
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