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Siaka Stevens Stadium

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown is the largest sporting venue in Sierra Leone and serves as the national stadium for association football and athletics. It was completed in 1979 with financial and technical assistance from the People's Republic of China and was originally named Brookfields Stadium. In 1992, the facility was renamed after the country's first president, Siaka Stevens, reflecting its importance in national history. With a seating capacity of approximately 45,000, it is the primary home ground for the Sierra Leone national football team, the Leone Stars. The architectural design follows the functionalist style of Chinese overseas projects from that era, featuring a main field and surrounding stands. Beyond sports, the stadium is a major venue for political rallies, national celebrations, and large-scale religious gatherings. It stands as a central symbol of national unity and has undergone recent renovations to align with international safety and infrastructure standards.

Location: Sierra Leone
Top sights: Sea Side View POW · St. John's Maroon Church · National Museum
Nearby: Goderich Beach (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	27	28	28	28	26	25	25	26	26	27	26
Rain mm	1	2	3	25	136	399	644	699	400	187	71	4

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The stadium exterior and surrounding public grounds are generally visible to visitors at all times, offering a sense of its impressive scale and local significance. Access to the interior stands and the playing field is strictly regulated and tied to events.

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Typical hours

Standard operating hours do not apply to the stadium as a tourist attraction, since interior access heavily depends on the schedule of athletic competitions and concerts. On non-event days, the facility is typically closed to the general public for maintenance.

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Photography

Taking photographs of the stadium from the outside is completely acceptable and common among visiting sports enthusiasts looking for a quick souvenir. However, professional camera equipment and recording devices may face restrictions during official ticketed matches.

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Time needed

If you are simply stopping by to view the structure and snap a few pictures from the perimeter, ten to twenty minutes is more than enough time. Attending a football match or cultural festival here will naturally turn this into a multi-hour commitment for the day.

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Combine with

Being centrally situated in Freetown, a stop here pairs excellently with a visit to the historic Cotton Tree or exploring the lively Sierra Leone National Museum. The spirited downtown markets and local eateries are also just a short driving distance away from the venue.

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Getting there

The stadium is highly accessible via major city roads, making it easily reachable by private taxi or the ubiquitous local minibuses known as poda-podas. Traffic in Freetown can be particularly dense, so allow ample travel time if navigating the area on a busy match day.

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Insider tip

To experience the true electric atmosphere of Sierra Leonean sports culture, try to secure tickets for a high-stakes national football team match. Remember to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing as the open-air seating areas can get extremely warm under the tropical sun.

Geography

Coordinates

8.48400, -13.24300

Facts

Year of completion: 1979
Seating capacity: 45,000
Renamed in: 1992
Built by: People's Republic of China
Home ground: Leone Stars national team
Location: Brookfields, Freetown

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Youyi Building<1 km · WExplore →

Freetown Central Mosque1 km · NExplore →

Sierra Leone Peace Museum2 km · NWExplore →

Queen Elizabeth II Quay4 km · NExplore →

Heddle's Farm4 km · NWExplore →

LEOCEM Cement Factory4 km · NExplore →

Lumley Beach Playground5 km · SWExplore →

Aberdeen Lighthouse6 km · SExplore →

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

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Siaka Stevens Stadium (10)

Sea Side View POW

Viewpoint overlooking the coast and the Atlantic Ocean in Freetown.

St. John's Maroon Church

Church building in Sierra Leone, used by the Methodist community.

National Museum🏛 museum

National museum of Sierra Leone, showcasing the country's history and culture.

🌐 sierraleoneheritage.org

The Cotton Tree

Historically important kapok tree and landmark in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

St. George's Cathedral

Anglican cathedral in Freetown, a church building in Sierra Leone.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Catholic cathedral in Sierra Leone, seat of the Archbishop of Freetown.

Bob Art

Arts centre in Freetown, exhibiting local artworks and creative pieces.

75A Leicester Road

Viewpoint on Leicester Road in Freetown, offering city views.

Gun emplacement

Ruins of a colonial-era gun emplacement in Freetown.

H H Fofannah Enterprise

Theatre in Freetown, hosting cultural performances and events.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Siaka Stevens Stadium?

The country's largest national stadium for sports and events.

Can one visit it?

Usually possible from the outside, outside of events.

How is the access?

It is centrally located and easily accessible.

When are events?

Information can be found in local media.

Is it safe?

Yes, security is increased at major events.

Siaka Stevens Stadium: where is it located?

Siaka Stevens Stadium is located in Sierra Leone.

Siaka Stevens Stadium: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sea Side View POW, St. John's Maroon Church, National Museum.

Siaka Stevens Stadium: when is the best time to visit?