Plizio Visual Lab

Basra Sports City

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Basra Sports City, situated 10 kilometers south of Basra, is the largest and most modern sports complex in Iraq. Built between 2009 and 2013 with a budget of approximately 550 million dollars, the facility spans a landscaped area of 580 hectares. The centerpiece of the complex is a 65,000-seat football stadium featuring a curved roof structure and an exterior design symbolizing the intertwined leaves of palm trees. Alongside the main stadium, a smaller athletic track, training pitches, and VIP hotels are also incorporated. The official opening of the stadium took place in 2013, and its most significant event was hosting the Arabian Gulf Cup in 2023, marking the first major tournament held in the country in decades.

Location: Iraq
Top sights: Al - Issa Mosque · Al - Zukeer Mosque · jam al mustafa

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	12	14	20	26	33	37	39	39	35	29	19	13
Rain mm	21	11	8	8	3	1	1	0	0	4	13	16

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Basra Sports City complex is generally open to visitors during scheduled sports events and public activities; while the main stadium interior is only accessible with a ticket, the surrounding concourse and cafés are freely walkable.

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Typical hours

Opening hours depend on the event schedule; on non-match days the complex is typically open during daytime. Checking local event calendars in advance is advisable.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed in the public outdoor areas; during events you may bring a camera, but flash and tripods are often prohibited. Please follow the instructions of security staff.

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Time needed

A visit to the entire complex without an event takes about one to two hours; during matches the stay can extend to three to four hours depending on the program. Allow extra time for travel.

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Combine with

In Basra you can combine the visit with the old town and the Shatt al-Arab waterfront promenade. The Basra Museum is also a worthwhile addition to learn about the region's history.

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Getting there

The complex is located in southeastern Basra and is easily reachable by taxi or private car. Public buses to the city center stop nearby; parking is limited during events.

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Insider tip

Visit the stadium on a non-match morning when it is quiet and you can admire the architecture at leisure. Ask at the security desk for permission to see the interior - occasionally short guided tours are offered.

Geography

Coordinates

30.43720, 47.74780

Facts

The total construction cost of the sports complex approached 550 million dollars.
The main stadium has a seating capacity of exactly 65,227 seats.
The facility was built on a 580-hectare artificially landscaped area.
The secondary stadium of the complex has the capacity to hold 10,000 spectators.
Construction work began in July 2009 and was fully completed in 2013.
A significant portion of the 15 matches of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup were hosted here in 2023.