Ouezzin-Coulibaly Stadium
| Location | Avenue de la Liberté, Commune III, Bamako, Mali |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,000 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1933 |
| Renovated | 2001, 2010 |
| Tenants | |
| Various Malian clubs | |
The Ouezzin Coulibaly Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Bamako, Mali. Originally named Stade Frédéric Assomption when it was built during the colonial period, it was renamed after the independence of Mali in 1960 in honour of Ouezzin Coulibaly, a prominent independence activist from Upper Volta (present-day Burkina Faso).
History
The stadium was constructed in 1933 during the French Sudan colonial era and was among the first venues to host official football competitions in Mali.[1] It served as the home ground for several Malian football clubs, including Jeanne d'Arc, Foyer, Aigle Noir, ASPTT, AS Cheminot, Espérance, Gallieni, JSCO, Niger, Richelieu, Racing, USTP, USI, and US Kati.[2]
Renovations
The first major renovation of the stadium took place in 2001.[2] A second renovation project began on March 19, 2009, focusing on the west stand and the interior facilities, including new locker rooms and multifunctional rooms. The project cost nearly one billion CFA francs and was financed by the Special Investment Budget (BSI).[3] The renovated stadium was inaugurated by Malian president Amadou Toumani Touré in December 2010.[1]
Events
Since 2021, the stadium has hosted the annual cultural and artistic event Bama Art.[4]
Facilities
The stadium is part of a sports infrastructure rehabilitation programme under Mali’s Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES). With a capacity of about 5,000 spectators, the stadium includes a football pitch, a basketball court, and a velodrome.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Bolly, Moussa (30 September 2010). "Rénovation du Stade Ouezzin Coulibaly : Une vitrine de l'indépendance du Mali fait peau neuve". Maliweb.net (in French). Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- ^ a b Traoré, Modibo Naman (27 September 2010). "La grande époque des stades Assomption et Bouvier". Malijet (in French). Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- ^ "Développement du sport au Mali / Des infrastructures bientôt réhabilitées". African Press Organization. 13 March 2009. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- ^ "Activité culturelle à Bamako : Le stade Ouezzin Coulibaly accueille désormais l'événement « BAMA ART »". Croissance Afrique (in French). 3 June 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2022.