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Mahamasina Municipal Stadium

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Mahamasina Stadium, officially known as the Barea Stadium, is the national stadium of Madagascar, located in the heart of Antananarivo adjacent to Lake Anosy. It is not only the largest sporting venue in the country but also a site of immense historical significance, as it was once the traditional grounds for the coronation ceremonies of Merina monarchs. Today, it primarily serves as the home field for the Madagascar national football team and is used for athletics and major cultural events. Between 2020 and 2021, the stadium underwent comprehensive modernization and expansion, increasing its capacity to over 40,000 spectators to meet international standards. The modern architecture with its striking grandstand structure is now a prominent part of the capital's skyline. Every year on June 26th, it hosts the central celebrations for Independence Day, making the stadium a symbol of national pride and unity. Despite its athletic use, the connection to royal history remains alive through its name 'Mahamasina', which means 'to make sacred'.

Location: Madagascar
Top sights: Théatre de verdure Antsahamanitra · Musée d'art et d'archéologie · ROXY
Nearby: Ambatolampy (37 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	19	19	17	16	13	12	13	15	17	19	19
Rain mm	475	379	304	159	86	84	85	58	47	96	222	388

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Mahamasina Stadium is mainly accessible during sports events and concerts. During non-event times, the interior is usually not open to the public.

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Typical hours

Opening hours depend on the event schedule; matches typically start in the afternoon or evening. It is advisable to check the schedule online in advance.

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Photography

During events, photography from your seat is generally allowed. Professional cameras with long lenses may be restricted.

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Time needed

The duration depends on the event: a football match lasts about two hours, concerts may be longer. Allow extra time for travel.

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Combine with

Combine the stadium visit with exploring the nearby city center of Antananarivo. Tsimbazaza Zoo is also just a few kilometers away.

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Getting there

The stadium is located in the Mahamasina district of Antananarivo and is easily reachable by taxi or bus. There is a large parking lot, but it fills quickly on match days.

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Insider tip

Buy tickets in advance online or at official sales points to avoid long queues. Take only essentials as bag checks are conducted.

Geography

Coordinates

-18.91420, 47.52550

Facts

The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 40,880 following its expansion.
It was officially renamed 'Kianja Barea' in 2021 after the national football team.
Historically, the site was the sacred ground for the coronation of Malagasy monarchs.
The facility features a modern synthetic track for international athletic events.
It is located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Anosy in the lower city.
The stadium is the venue for the annual Independence Day military parade.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ila Fitsarana<1 km · WExplore →

SOMACOU Textile Factory2 km · SExplore →

Orange Telecom Tower2 km · EExplore →

University of Antananarivo Campus3 km · NExplore →

Alasora Royal Village6 km · NWExplore →

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga12 km · EExplore →

Fortifications of Antongona25 km · SExplore →

Jean Laborde House in Mantasoa33 km · NExplore →

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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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mahamasina Municipal Stadium (10)

Théatre de verdure Antsahamanitra

Open-air theatre in Antananarivo, surrounded by trees, used for concerts and plays.

Musée d'art et d'archéologie 🏛 museum

Art and archaeology museum in Antananarivo, displaying Malagasy artworks and historical finds.

ROXY

Cinema and event building in Antananarivo, known for film screenings and cultural events.

FJKM

Protestant church cultural centre in Antananarivo, venue for community gatherings.

Tranompokonolona Analakely

Theatre building in the Analakely district, used for local stage performances.

Malagasy cultural center

Centre promoting Malagasy culture in Antananarivo, with exhibitions and workshops.

Catholic Cathedral of Andohalo

Catholic cathedral on Andohalo hill in Antananarivo, an important place of worship.

Maison Jean Laborde

Historic house of French adventurer Jean Laborde in Antananarivo, now a museum.

Tombeau de Rainiharo

Tomb of Malagasy dignitary Rainiharo in Antananarivo, a historic site.

I Love Antananarivo Sign

Large 'I Love Antananarivo' sign in the city, a popular photo spot.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Mahamasina Stadium?

The main national stadium for sports and large public events.

Can one visit the stadium?

Outside of events, mostly from the outside only.

What is the environment like?

Very lively, especially on match days.

Is there parking?

Parking is very scarce on match days and fills up quickly.

Is it safe?

Yes, but be careful with your bags in large crowds.

Mahamasina Municipal Stadium: where is it located?

Mahamasina Municipal Stadium is located in Madagascar.

Mahamasina Municipal Stadium: what is there to see?

Highlights include Théatre de verdure Antsahamanitra, Musée d'art et d'archéologie, ROXY.

Mahamasina Municipal Stadium: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

Mahamasina Municipal Stadium: why is it worth visiting?

Mahamasina Stadium, officially known as the Barea Stadium, is the national stadium of Madagascar, located in the heart of Antananarivo adjacent to Lake Anosy.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Mahamasina Municipal Stadium

Best time to visit & climate