Stories and facts
The University of Ghana Sports Stadium, commonly referred to as the Legon Sports Stadium, represents resilience and ambition.
With a seating capacity of 11,000, the stadium, located at the University of Ghana in Accra, was completed in time to host the 2023 African Games, marking a significant milestone in Ghana's sports infrastructure.
A Long Journey to Completion
The idea for a stadium at the University of Ghana was conceived as far back as 1976. However, it wasn’t until 2004 that construction began, under the direction of Consar LTD.
The project faced a significant setback in 2009 when the Ghana Education Trust Fund ceased its financial support, leaving the facility incomplete. By that time, stands and a tartan running track had been installed, but the stadium was far from finished. Years of stagnation followed, and efforts to resume construction proved fruitless.
The turning point came in 2018 when Ghana secured the rights to host the 2023 African Games. The initial plan was to build a 50,000-seat stadium at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra's eastern suburbs.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent financial constraints rendered this plan unfeasible. In mid-2021, the decision was made to pivot to "Plan B," completing the long-dormant University of Ghana Sports Stadium to serve as the centerpiece for the Games.
Construction Resumes
Work resumed in 2021, once again entrusted to Consar LTD. Italian firm Giacomini Architects designed the completion plans, with construction initially slated for completion by the end of 2022.
However, delays pushed the timeline back, aligning the stadium’s readiness with the postponement of the Games themselves from August 2023 to March 2024, due to economic challenges.
The stadium was finally inaugurated on March 1, 2024, in a ceremony graced by Ghana’s Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia. It subsequently hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the African Games, along with athletics competitions and several soccer matches. The Games ran from March 8 to March 23, 2024.
Post Games and Usage Features
Following the African Games, the University of Ghana assumed management of the stadium. It now primarily serves university sports needs, with interest also expressed by Legon Cities FC for hosting matches.
Located on the University of Ghana campus in northeastern Accra, the stadium features an 8-lane athletics track, with an additional 9th lane on the main straight.
The track is surrounded by a single-level ring of stands, with the main western stand housing facilities and seating under a roof. The stadium boasts a capacity of 10,000 spectators and includes amenities like plastic seats, four lighting masts, and a video screen behind the southern curve.
Adjacent to the stadium, other university sports facilities include a training track, swimming pool, and rugby fields. The modest yet functional design reflects its multi-purpose role, catering to athletics, football, and community events.
Legacy and Significance
The completion of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium not only fulfilled a decades-long vision but also provided a vital venue for one of Africa's largest sporting events. While modest in scale compared to other international arenas, the stadium symbolizes progress and serves as a valuable asset for sports development in Ghana.
