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Obed Itani Chilume Stadium

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Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)

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The Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown is the largest sports facility in northern Botswana and a significant symbol of regional development. With a seating capacity of approximately 26,000, it was officially opened in 2015 and is named after a prominent sports administrator and teacher who made substantial contributions to the nation's athletics. Designed to meet international standards, the stadium features a high-quality natural grass pitch and a comprehensive athletics track. It serves as the home ground for several local football clubs and has hosted numerous critical matches for Botswana's national team, the "Zebras." The stadium's architecture is modern and functional, with its distinctive grandstand structure visible from a distance. It plays a pivotal role in promoting sports in the country's second-largest city and provides a versatile platform for national and regional events. Beyond sports, the venue is utilized for cultural festivals and large-scale public gatherings. Its completion significantly bolstered Botswana's sporting infrastructure, enabling the hosting of international tournaments outside the capital of Gaborone. The facility remains a key gathering point for the Francistown community.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252524221916151923262626
Rain mm100896123441082568102

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Obed Itani Chilume Stadium is open to the public during events. On non-match days, the exterior can be viewed at any time.
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Typical hours
The stadium typically opens two hours before event start. Exact times depend on the schedule of matches and concerts.
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Photography
The imposing facade of the stadium makes a good photo subject. During events, photography is usually allowed with restrictions.
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Time needed
Visiting the exterior facilities takes about 15 to 30 minutes. If attending an event, allow several hours.
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Combine with
Combine the stadium visit with the Francistown Museum or the old gold mines. Francistown Railway Station is also nearby.
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Getting there
The stadium is located on the main road in Francistown and is easily reachable by taxi. Parking is available for visitors.
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Insider tip
Check the schedule in advance to plan a visit during a match. The stadium experience is most animated then.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.16820, 27.50280

Facts

  • Seating capacity of approximately 26,000
  • Officially opened to the public in 2015
  • Named after Obed Itani Chilume (formerly Francistown Stadium)
  • Largest sports venue in northern Botswana
  • Host venue for national team matches in the north
  • Equipped with an international-standard athletics track

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Francistown Dry PortFrancistown Dry Port<1 km · SEExplore →
BMC Francistown AbattoirBMC Francistown Abattoir2 km · NWExplore →
Tati Nickel MineTati Nickel Mine8 km · NEExplore →
Tati RiverTati River11 km · NExplore →
Shashe RiverShashe River32 km · NWExplore →
Matsitama Minerals ComplexMatsitama Minerals Complex61 km · SExplore →
Domboshaba RuinsDomboshaba Ruins68 km · EExplore →
PlumtreePlumtree75 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (1)

Supa Ngwao Museum🏛 museum

A museum near the stadium dedicated to the history and culture of the Kalanga people.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium?
It is the largest sports stadium in Francistown, primarily used for football matches.
What is the stadium's capacity?
The stadium can accommodate approximately 26,500 spectators.
Where exactly is the stadium located in Francistown?
It is located in the Somerset East area, easily accessible from the main roads.
Can the stadium be visited outside of match days?
Visits are usually only possible during official events; otherwise, the grounds are often closed.
What was the previous name of the stadium?
It was formerly known as the Francistown Stadium before being renamed in 2019.
Obed Itani Chilume Stadium: where is it located?
Obed Itani Chilume Stadium is located in Botswana.
Obed Itani Chilume Stadium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Obed Itani Chilume Stadium: why is it worth visiting?
The Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown is the largest sports facility in northern Botswana and a significant symbol of regional development.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Plumtree — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
Plumtree
Plumtree is Zimbabwe's primary western gateway, located on the border with Botswana.

History & landmarks

Supa Ngwao Museum — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
Supa Ngwao Museum
Supa Ngwao is a key cultural landmark in Francistown, preserving the history and traditions of northern Botswana's diverse peoples.
Francistown Railway Station — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
Francistown Railway Station
The Francistown Railway Station is a historic transport landmark, a key stop on the rail line connecting Southern and Central Africa.

More places

🗺️
Tati Nickel Mine
The Tati Nickel Mine, located near Francistown, was a significant producer of nickel concentrate in Botswana.
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Tati River
The Tati River flows through the city of Francistown, serving as a key drainage system in the northeastern region.
Shashe River — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
Shashe River
The Shashe River is a major ephemeral river that forms part of the international border between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Domboshaba Ruins — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
Domboshaba Ruins
Domboshaba is an iron-age stone walled settlement that served as a regional capital for the Great Zimbabwe-style culture.
Francistown Dry Port — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
Francistown Dry Port
The Francistown Dry Port serves as a crucial logistics and transit point in northern Botswana.
BMC Francistown Abattoir — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
BMC Francistown Abattoir
The abattoir in Francistown serves the cattle industry in northern Botswana.
Matsitama Minerals Complex — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
Matsitama Minerals Complex
The Matsitama region has been explored for its significant copper and mineral potential.
Mangwe Pass Memorial — Obed Itani Chilume Stadium (Botswana)
Mangwe Pass Memorial
A memorial for the first European settlers who entered the country through this pass.