Ghazi Stadium: Kabul's Historic Sporting Arena
Experience Afghan pride at Ghazi Stadium: a historic Kabul landmark reborn as a vibrant sports hub after decades of turmoil.
Ghazi Stadium, located southeast of the Shahr-e Naw neighborhood in Kabul, is more than just a sports venue; it's a living testament to Afghanistan's complex history [3, 7]. Constructed in 1923 during the reign of King Amanullah Khan, who was hailed as 'Ghazi' (Hero) for securing Afghanistan's independence, the stadium was envisioned as a symbol of national pride and unity through sports [3, 7]. Over the decades, Ghazi Stadium has hosted significant events, including the first international football match between Afghanistan and Iran in 1941 [3, 7]. In 1963, it welcomed American jazz legend Duke Ellington for a concert, showcasing cultural exchange [3, 7]. However, the stadium also endured a dark period under Taliban rule when it was used as a site for public executions [3, 7, 10, 17]. In 2011, a major renovation, funded by NATO forces, revitalized the stadium with fresh soil and state-of-the-art artificial turf [3, 7]. Today, Ghazi Stadium is primarily used for local football training and matches, uniting communities from across Afghanistan [3, 7, 12, 15]. It also hosts international matches, providing a platform for Afghan athletes to showcase their talents and inspire national pride [3, 7, 12]. The stadium has a capacity of 25,000 spectators [3]. Visiting Ghazi Stadium offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Afghanistan's journey through triumph and adversity [7]. The atmosphere is vibrant, with enthusiastic fans gathering to support their teams [7, 12]. The stadium is located across from Chaman-e-Hozori and Eidgah Mosque [3, 7]. Nearby are the Afghanistan National Olympic Committee, the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium, and the Kabul International Cricket Stadium [3, 7].
Local tips
- Check local event schedules in advance to catch a football match or other sporting event for an authentic experience [7].
- Engage with local fans to learn more about the stadium's history and its significance to the Afghan people [7].
- Be mindful and respectful of the stadium's past, particularly its role during the Taliban regime [7].
A brief summary to Ghazi Stadium
- G59V+CF5, Kabul, AF
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis are readily available throughout Kabul and offer a direct way to reach Ghazi Stadium [2, 7, 11]. From most central locations, a taxi ride to the stadium will typically cost between 350 to 712 AFN, depending on distance and traffic conditions [4, 7]. It's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running [7]. Landmarks to mention for directions include Chaman-e-Hozori and Eidgah Mosque, as the stadium is located across from them [3, 7]. Note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours [2, 7, 13].
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Public Transport
Local buses and minibuses also serve the area around Ghazi Stadium [2, 7, 11, 14]. While this is a more economical option, it can be crowded and less direct [2, 7, 14]. Bus fares typically range from 20 to 45 AFN, depending on the route and distance [7]. Look for buses heading towards Shahr-e Naw; from there, it's a short walk to the stadium [3, 7]. Be aware that bus schedules may not be strictly adhered to, and it's helpful to know the local language or have a translator app to navigate the routes [7].
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Walking
From Pashtunistan Square, walk southeast along the main road [12]. After approximately 1km, you'll see Ghazi Stadium on your left, across from Chaman-e-Hozori park [3, 7, 12]. The walk is straightforward and takes about 15-20 minutes [12]. No costs involved.
