Azadi Stadium
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| Full name | Azadi Stadium |
|---|---|
| Location | Tehran, Iran |
| Coordinates | 35°43′27.99″N 51°16′31.98″E / 35.7244417°N 51.2755500°E |
| Owner | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
| Capacity | 100,000 [1][2] |
| Field size | 110 x 75 m |
| Surface | Grass |
| Scoreboard | 104m² Jumbotron |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1971 |
| Opened | 1971 |
| Renovated | 2002-03 |
| Architect | Abdolaziz Farmanfarmaian |
| Tenants | |
| Iran 1973- Iran U-23 1990- Persepolis 1971-2002 , 2003- Esteghlal 1971-2002 , 2003- Tractor Sazi 2009- 1974 Asian Games 1976 AFC Asian Cup | |
The Azadi Stadium (Persian: ورزشگاه آزادی) formerly Aryamehr Stadium (Persian: ورزشگاه آریامهر) is Iran's national stadium and the largest in the country. The Azadi stadium officially has a capacity of 100,000 people [3][4] and was built to host the 1974 Asian Games. The stadium is part of the much larger Azadi Sports Complex, and is surrounded by a rowing river, football training pitches, a weightlifting complex, swimming facilities and indoor volleyball and futsal courts, among many other amenities. Azadi Stadium is the fifth biggest association football stadium in the world, fourth in Asia and first in the Middle East.[5][6]
Azadi Stadium hosts most of Iran's national games, and is the home arena for Persepolis F.C. and Esteghlal F.C. in the Iran Pro League. Tractor F.C. of Tabriz is the only club in the Iran Pro League that does not feel being guest in front of Persepolis F.C. and Esteghlal F.C. in Azadi, because of supporting from Azerbaijani fans which are resident in Tehran; they usually fill half seats of Azadi Stadium.[7][8]
In 2002, the lower level of the stadium had seats installed, the pitch was replanted along with the installation of an underground heating system. Stadium management also plans to later install seats in the upper level of the stadium. The renovations were completed in 2003, reducing the capacity of the stadium to 100,000 (Originally 120,000 capacity) as the lower level of the stadium was refurnished with 35,000 seats. Despite its reduced capacity, Azadi Stadium has been filled over capacity at times such as the Iran-Japan World Cup 2006 qualification match in March 2005 which resulted in the deaths of seven people. In 2004 a large jumbotron television was added, replacing the original scoreboard. This giant screen with a total area of about 300 square meters and screen area of 104 square meters (20m by 7.5m) is one of the biggest in the world.
The stadium was originally called Sad-Hezar Nafari Stadium (100,000) Stadium but then changed to Azadi Stadium after the Iranian Revolution; "Azadi" means freedom in Persian. The stadium is located in the West of Tehran, and is easily accessible for most people living in the city. Opposing teams often find it difficult to play their best game, when the stadium is full, as the noise level becomes very high. According to Goal.com, Azadi Stadium was voted most intimidating in Asia.
The stadium hosted two West Asian Football Federation Championship in 2004 and 2008. The stadium also hosted thos Asian Club Championship in 1999 and 2002 where the hosts Esteghlal and Persepolis finished second and third. In 2008 AFC forced Sepahan to play the home matches in AFC Champions League in this stadium. The stadium also is the regular host for Iran u-23 for the Olympics football qualifying.
Azadi Stadium is the biggest Stadium in Middle East.
History
Azadi Sport Complex has been disposed for the 7th Asian Games in 1974 with international criteria. Its land measurement is 450 Hectares and it is west of Tehran. This sports complex not only has the ability to put in effect different local sport fields, but also is a proper place to have celebrations, meetings, different ceremonies of governmental and ordinary organizations, and sporting camps.
Though a simple bowl concrete structure, the stadium is a breathtaking site. Situated west of the capital, an arching, slightly raised outer shell appears to give way as sweeping stands sink down to pitch side, as if the ground collapsed during building.
With an official capacity of 90,000, on the big occasions the crowd swells well beyond that. The design of the stadium amplifies the noise across the pitch.
Building and facilities
The architect is Abdolaziz Farmanfarmaian.
Its all-seated capacity is 100,000. During important matches, the stadium has a maximum capacity of 90,000 visitors.
The parking capacity is 400 cars(inside); there are additional 7,000 spots outside.
The nearest train station is Azadi Stadium Metro Station.
Gallery
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Outside of Stadium -
Day view -
Supporters of Perspolis -
Supporters of Esteghlal
See also
- List of association football stadia by capacity
- Football in Iran
- Azadiye Stadium
- Azadi Sport Complex
- Azadi Tower
References
- ^ http://www.azadisportcomplex.com/place.asp
- ^ http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/stadium_list/100000.shtml
- ^ http://www.azadisportcomplex.com/place.asp
- ^ http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/stadium_list/100000.shtml
- ^ http://www.azadisportcomplex.com/place.asp
- ^ http://wikimapia.org/6225547/Azadi-Stadium
- ^ http://www.goalsarena.org/video/iran-pro-league/10-04-2011-esteghlal-1-2-teraktor-sazi_en.html [Video]10-04-2011, Esteghlal 1-2 Tractor
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvTf00PxeEc [Video]Esteghlal Tehran vs TeraktorSazi Tabriz - Full Highlights [ IPL 2009/2010 Week 23 ]
External links
