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| Full name | Azadi Stadium |
|---|---|
| Former names | Aryamehr Stadium |
| Location | Tehran, Iran |
| Coordinates | 35°43′27.99″N 51°16′31.98″E / 35.7244417°N 51.27555°E |
| Built | 1971 |
| Opened | 1971 |
| Renovated | 2002-03 |
| Owner | Iran Physical Education Organization |
| Surface | Grass |
| Scoreboard | 104m² Jumbotron |
| Architect | Abdolaziz Farmanfarmaian |
| Capacity | 90,000 [1] |
| Field dimensions | 110 x 75 m |
| Tenants | |
| Persepolis F.C. 1971-2002 , 2003- Esteghlal F.C. 1971-2002 , 2003- Team Melli (1973)- 1974 Asian Games Iran U-23 1990- Asian Club Championship: 1998-99 , 2001-02 WAFF: 2004 , 2008(Final) Sepahan 2008 |
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The Azadi Stadium (Persian: ورزشگاه آزادی) is Iran's national and largest stadium. The Azadi stadium officially has a capacity of 90,000 people [1] [2] 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 (Soccer) training pitches, weightlifting complex, swimming facilities and indoor volleyball and futsal courts, among many other amenities. Azadi Stadium is fourth biggest association football stadium in the world, third in Asia and first in Iran and the Middle East.
Azadi Stadium is where most of Iran's national games, and where Persepolis F.C.'s and Esteghlal F.C.'s Iran Pro League matches are played.
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 90,000 (Originally 100,000 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 the Aryamehr Stadium in honor of the former Shah of Iran 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.
See also
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External links
Coordinates: 35°43′27.99″N 51°16′31.98″E / 35.7244417°N 51.27555°E
| Preceded by National Stadium  Bangkok |
AFC Asian Cup Host Venue 1976 |
Succeeded by Sabah Al-Salem Stadium  Kuwait City(as Final Venue) |
| Preceded by Hong Kong Stadium Hong Kong |
Asian Club Championship Final Venue 1999 |
Succeeded by King Fahd Stadium Riyadh |
| Preceded by Suwon World Cup Stadium Suwon |
Asian Club Championship Final Venue 2002 |
Succeeded by Vacant ( Two-legged finals ) Title next held by Olympic Stadium Tokyo |
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