Football stadiums in Iran
Here we are discussing football stadiums in Iran and seeing how many stadiums Iran has and what their capacities are.
Stadium Name: Azadi Stadium
Former Name: Aryamehr (1353-1357)
Inauguration: September 1, 1974
Construction Cost:
Owner: Ministry of Sports and Youth
Administrator: The CEO of Azadi Sports Complex, appointed by the Deputy of Development and Sports Equipment of the Ministry of Sports and Youth of Iran.
Home Stadium of: Iran National Team, Persepolis, Esteghlal
Football Field Dimensions: 75 by 110 meters
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 78,116
Other Information:
Azadi Stadium is one of the sports facilities within the Azadi Sports Complex, constructed to host the Asian Games in 1974. The design and project management of this massive complex were overseen by Farmanfarmaian, one of Iran’s prominent contemporary architects.
Access to Azadi Stadium is facilitated through the metro line, match-day buses, and personal vehicles, although the ideal situation has yet to be achieved.
The grade given to Azadi Stadium by the Asian Football Confederation according to its criteria is A-.
From May 2002 to May 2003, the stadium’s first tier underwent reconstruction and insulation work.
Azadi Stadium has the capability to evacuate within 11 minutes, which is 4 minutes better than the world standard.
The scoreboard at Azadi Stadium is one of the largest in the world.
Access for large and heavy machinery to various positions and platforms of the stadium is another positive feature of Azadi Stadium.
At the time of its inauguration, Azadi Stadium was considered one of the best and most unique stadiums in the world and was regarded as a masterpiece of its time. Although many modern stadiums have been built since then, Azadi Stadium does not rank among the top 100 stadiums in the world in this regard.
Azadi Stadium features an eight-lane Tartan track and field, hosting track and field competitions.
As Azadi Stadium is a national stadium, numerous significant events are planned and held there. These include ceremonies attended by leaders, presidents, and presidential candidates.
Concerts were held at Azadi Stadium before the revolution, but there have been fewer large concerts held at Azadi Stadium after the revolution. However, hosting concerts and other events at Azadi Stadium causes significant damage. Modern stadiums around the world have special features to protect the pitch and other facilities, but such conditions do not exist at Azadi Stadium. Hosting various events of any kind increases the risk of security threats.
Imam Reza Stadium, Mashhad
Imam Reza Stadium, Mashhad
Inauguration: December 14, 2016
Owner: Astan Quds Razavi, Mashhad
Construction Cost: Over 200 billion
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 25,000
Home Stadium of: Padideh Mashhad
Other Information:
The roof, grass, seats, and Tartan track were constructed by reputable European companies.
Within the Imam Reza Stadium complex, 14 sports halls, a 24-hour clinic, and two separate weightlifting halls for men and women have been built beneath the stadium’s stands.
Located inside the city of Mashhad, access to the stadium is convenient.
The stadium is part of the equipped sports complex of Astan Quds Razavi, adjacent to the 6,000-seat covered Shahid Beheshti Stadium in Mashhad. Imam Reza Stadium offers abundant training and recreational facilities, making it highly suitable for national and professional camps.
The Asian Football Confederation has awarded Imam Reza Stadium an A grade, the highest among stadiums in Iran.
Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium, Isfahan
Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium, Isfahan
Opening of the First Tier: 2002
Opening after Completion of the Second Tier: November 2, 2016
Construction Cost: 85 billion Tomans
Owner: Ministry of Sports and Youth of Iran
Tenant: Sepahan Isfahan Football Club (for 20 years starting from 2016)
Football Field Dimensions: 68 by 105 meters
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 75,000 (42,000 for the first tier – 33,000 for the second tier)
Other Information:
Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium is located in the north of Isfahan, adjacent to Fadak Forest Park, and features an eight-lane Tartan track. Numerous sports and recreational facilities are anticipated at Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium, and with the presence of powerhouse teams like Sepahan and Zob Ahan in Isfahan, we can expect future games and championships for these two teams in Iran and Asia. Although the national team can also hold important matches in this stadium.
In 2014, in order to expedite the construction of the second tier of Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium, the Ministry of Sports and Youth decided to entrust the completion project to Sepahan Company and granted Sepahan the right to use the stadium for 20 years in return.
Imam Yadegar Stadium, Tabriz
Imam Yadegar Stadium, Tabriz
Opening of the First Tier: 1996
Opening of the Second Tier: 2016
Construction Cost:
Owner: Ministry of Sports and Youth of Iran
Administrator: Tabriz Sazeh
Operator: Tractor Sazi Football Club, Machine Sazi, and Tabriz Municipality
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 66,833
Other Information:
Imam Yadegar Stadium in Tabriz has received an A rating according to the assessments of the Asian Football Confederation.
Imam Yadegar Stadium features a track and field and has the capability to host track and field competitions.
The architect of Imam Yadegar Stadium received an award from the Asian Football Confederation for this design, and stadiums with a similar design have been constructed in Hiroshima, Japan. The first tier of Imam Yadegar Stadium lacks columns and is naturally seated on rocks and mountains. There are only two stadiums in the world with this feature.
With the provisions that have been made, the lighting quality of Imam Yadegar Stadium for night games exceeds the standard of the Asian Football Confederation.
Takhti Stadium, Ahvaz
Takhti Stadium, Ahvaz
Inauguration: March 15, 2012
Construction Cost: 69 billion Tomans
Owner: Ministry of Sports and Youth of Iran
Operator: Foolad and Esteghlal Khuzestan Football Clubs
Football Field Dimensions: 75 by 105 meters
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 38,900
Other Information:
Zahra Melile Farshid was the lead architect for the construction of this stadium in 1974 (before the revolution). Melile Farshid designed this stadium with the aim of hosting Ahvaz for the 1984 Summer Olympics. Construction began in 1994 (after the revolution), and after 17 years, in 2012, it was inaugurated by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former President of Iran.
Ghadeer Stadium, Ahvaz, features an eight-lane track and field and has the capability to host important track and field competitions.
The parking lot of Ghadeer Stadium, Ahvaz, can accommodate 2,000 cars and 200 buses.
Ghadeer Stadium, Ahvaz, is considered one of Iran’s important stadiums, equipped with the necessary standards for hosting international events and competitions.
Takhti Stadium, Tehran
Overview of Takhti Stadium from Surrounding Neighborhoods in District 14, Tehran
Coach and Player Benches Reserved in Takhti Stadium
Takhti Stadium, Tehran
Formerly Known as: Farah Stadium
Inauguration: 1974
Construction Cost:
Owner: Ministry of Sports and Youth of Iran
Administrator: CEO of Tehran Takhti Sports Complex, appointed by the Development, Equipment, and Maintenance Company of the Ministry of Sports and Youth
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 30,122
Other Information:
Takhti Stadium was constructed to host the Asian Games in Tehran in 1974. The architecture of this stadium was inspired by Italian architecture and constructed by the French. Jahangir Darvish and Engineer Masoud Azimi were the designers of Takhti Stadium at that time. The comprehensive design and architecture of Takhti Stadium were done by Jahangir Darvish, the spatial coverage calculations by the French, and the modeling of the cable system for the stadium roof by the University of Surrey, England. The project was executed by engineers and workers under the subsidiary of a French company. Takhti Stadium, known as Farah Stadium (the wife of the Shah of Iran) at the time, was unique in the world, and until then, few football stadiums in the world had such a roof.
Takhti Stadium, Tehran, features six football fields, a track and field, tennis courts, a swimming pool, gym facilities, and numerous recreational amenities. Situated on a large plot of land on the outskirts of the southeastern mountains of Tehran, Takhti Stadium is surrounded by many military training barracks, ensuring high security.
From Shahid Kalahdooz Metro Station (Line 5 of Tehran Metro) to Takhti Stadium, a taxi ride takes about 5 minutes, making it one of the best choices to reach Takhti Stadium Tehran is to use Line 5 of Tehran Metro.
Baniyan Diesel Stadium, Tabriz
Baniyan Diesel Stadium, Tabriz
Inauguration: 2011
Owner: Engineer Mohammad Reza Zanoozi
Home Stadium: Machine Sazi Tabriz
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Natural grass
Number of Seats (Capacity): 12,000
Other Information:
Baniyan Diesel Stadium in Tabriz was initially the exclusive stadium of Gostaresh Foolad Tabriz, which dissolved after Engineer Mohammad Reza Zanoozi acquired shares of Tractor Sazi Tabriz. Consequently, Baniyan Diesel Stadium came under the ownership of Machine Sazi Tabriz.
Baniyan Diesel Stadium features suitable locker rooms, a dedicated VIP building, and auxiliary training grounds, providing adequate facilities for a professional football team.
Shahid Dastgardi Stadium
Shahid Dastgardi Stadium
Inauguration: 2002
Owner: NAJA (Islamic Republic of Iran Law Enforcement Force)
Management: Pas Tehran Football Club
Operator: Saipa Football Club
Location: Ekbatan Town, Tehran
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Natural grass
Number of Seats (Capacity): 8,250
Other Information:
Pas Tehran Football Club used to play their home games at Shahid Dastgardi Stadium before relocating to Hamedan.
The Iranian Super Cup match between Foolad Khuzestan and Tabriz Battery was held at Shahid Dastgardi Stadium in 2005.
Pas Tehran and Foolad Khuzestan Football Clubs (due to the unavailability of Takhti Stadium in Ahvaz) hosted their home games in the AFC Champions League at Shahid Dastgardi Stadium.
In 2012, the AFC U-16 Championship matches were held at both Shahid Dastgardi and Rah Ahan Stadiums.
Since 2015, Saipa Football Club has been hosting their matches at Shahid Dastgardi Stadium.
During periods of internal conflict, the national football teams of Syria and Iraq hosted their home matches in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Shahid Dastgardi Stadium. Teams such as Japan and Australia also visited Iran and played their matches at this stadium during these competitions.
Jam Elevated Stadium
Jam Elevated Stadium
Location: Jam City, Bushehr Province
Inauguration: 2007
Owner: Fajr Jam Gas Refinery
Home Stadium: Pars Jonoubi Jam Football Club
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 15,000 (without spectator seats)
Other Information:
Jam Elevated Stadium underwent renovation twice in the years 2014 and 2017.
Shahidaye Shahr-e Qods Stadium
Shahidaye Shahr-e Qods Stadium
Location: Shahr-e Qods City
Inauguration: May 2005
Owner: Shahr-e Qods Municipality
Home Stadium: Rah Ahan and Paykan Tehran
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 25,000 (with and without seats)
Other Information:
The capacity and potential of Shahidaye Shahr-e Qods Stadium are very high, located in a favorable climate area and prone to attracting many spectators. The locals are fond of football. Persepolis has always desired this stadium, which has been met with opposition from the authorities of Shahr-e Qods.
Sardar Jangal Stadium, Rasht
Sardar Jangal Stadium, Rasht
Inauguration: September 7, 2007
Construction Cost: 6 Billion Tomans
Owner: Ministry of Sports and Youth
Home Stadium: Sepidrood Rasht, Damash Gilan
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Artificial turf
Number of Seats (Capacity): 15,000
Other Information:
Sardar Jangal Stadium underwent renovation in 2017.
Sardar Jangal Stadium is located outside the urban area of Rasht.
The lack of necessary infrastructure for public transportation to Sardar Jangal Stadium, inadequate telecommunications facilities, and a shortage of drinking water are among the problems faced by Sardar Jangal Stadium, leading to criticisms by the AFC regarding this newly established stadium.
Foolad Shahr Stadium
Foolad Shahr Stadium
Inauguration: 1998 (Solar Hijri Calendar)
Construction Cost: Not specified
Location: Fooladshahr, Isfahan Province
Ownership: Zob Ahan Cultural and Sports Club, Isfahan
Football Field Dimensions: Not specified
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 15,000
Other Information:
From 2007 until 2016, during the construction of the second phase of Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium, Sepahan used Foolad Shahr Stadium for their home games.
The final match of the AFC Champions League in 2007 between Zob Ahan and Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan was held at Foolad Shahr Stadium.
The celebration and trophy presentation ceremony for Sepahan’s championship in the Persian Gulf Pro League were held twice in Foolad Shahr Stadium in 2012 and 2015.
Similarly, Zob Ahan’s championship celebrations in the Hazfi Cup and Iranian Super Cup in 2009 and 2016 were held at Foolad Shahr Stadium.
Foolad Shahr has hosted significant matches in the AFC Champions League for Zob Ahan and Sepahan against prominent and professional Asian teams.
Shahid Behnam Mohammadi Stadium
Shahid Behnam Mohammadi Stadium
Inauguration: 2008 (Solar Hijri Calendar)
Owner: Naft Masjed Soleyman Football Club
Location: Masjed Soleyman, Khuzestan
Football Field Dimensions: Not specified
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 8,000
Other Information:
Shahid Behnam Mohammadi Stadium in Masjed Soleyman is actually the first modern stadium in Iran, designed by John Murdock and constructed within one year.
After the promotion of Naft Masjed Soleyman to the Persian Gulf Pro League, Shahid Behnam Mohammadi Stadium underwent renovation to meet the minimum requirements for hosting top-tier league matches.
Shahid Vatani Stadium
Shahid Vatani Stadium
Inauguration: 1940s (Solar Hijri Calendar)
Owner: Ministry of Sports and Youth
Management: Provincial Office of Sports and Youth, Mazandaran Province
Operator: Nassaji Mazandaran Football Club
Football Field Dimensions: 68 meters by 105 meters
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 15,000 (No seats)
Other Information:
The land of Shahid Mohammad Reza Vatani Stadium was occupied by Soviet forces in the 1940s, where former Soviet soldiers used to play football on this field. Later, during break shifts, employees of Mazandaran Textile Factory played football on this field, and spectator stands were added to it. Since 1959, Nassaji Mazandaran Football Club was formed and has been hosting visiting teams on this ground. After the revolution, the stadium’s name was changed to Shahid Mohammad Reza Vatani.
Takhti Abadan Stadium
Takhti Abadan Stadium
Inauguration: 1956 (Solar Hijri Calendar)
Owner: Abadan Oil Refinery
Operator: Abadan Football Association, Khuzestan
Home Stadium of: Naft Abadan Football Club
Football Field Dimensions:
Type of Grass: Natural
Number of Seats (Capacity): 12,000
Other Information:
Takhti Abadan Stadium has undergone major renovations in the years 1997, 2007, and 2011, completely transforming its original structure, although all efforts have been aimed at addressing the shortcomings of the initial stadium while preserving its old architecture. According to the Asian Football Confederation, the lack of a roof and electronic gates remains among the remaining shortcomings of the Takhti Abadan Stadium, hindering its approval for hosting football matches.
