After being closed for more than six years, the Camille Chamoun Sports City in Beirut has come back to life. It reopened its doors to sports and fans with a fresh wave of excitement and hope.
Inside the stadium, signs of old neglect are gone . And the energy has shifted life is returning, especially after the first phase of renovation was completed. This phase included fixing the football field, basic infrastructure, and the indoor basketball court.
The stadium, which has been a national symbol since it opened in 1957, hosted a press conference on wednesday . Many sports and media figures attended, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Nora bayrakdarian, and Dr. Naji Hammoud, Director General of the Sports Facilities Authority. Together, they officially announced the reopening of Lebanon’s biggest sports complex.
We’re bringing life back
In her speech, Minister Bayrakdarian said:
“Today, we are bringing life back to a place that has always represented the spirit of sports in Lebanon. This reopening is not just about the buildings, it’s about restoring part of our collective memory and national pride.”
She explained that the decision to reopen the stadium came after long efforts since she took office, with strong support from the Prime Minister and close coordination with the Sports Facilities Authority.
“We are not just opening a building. We are giving hope back to a generation of Lebanese youth who deserve proper sports facilities. Sports are not a luxury they are a right, a way to connect, and a space to grow and prove oneself.”
The Derby Returns
The first match on the newly reopened field will be a classic derby between Nejmeh and Ansar as part of the Lebanese Football Championship. This game will be highly symbolic, as it’s the first to take place on this field since the closure. The match is sponsored by President Joseph Aoun.
On-Site Tour and Renovation Details
After the press conference, attendees took a tour to see what has been accomplished so far. The football field was fully redone, the stands were cleaned, lighting fixed, and facilities like the basketball court and meeting rooms were repaired.
In a side interview, Minister Bayrakdarian said:
“We know there’s more to do, but this first phase is a bold step toward restoring this stadium’s glory. We are committed to finishing the rest, as much as our resources allow, and we won’t let neglect return. We’re also working with the French Embassy to bring in an international expert who will help us create a modern plan for running the stadium. We want this place to become a model for other sports facilities in Lebanon “
Sports: A Right, Not a Luxury
The reopening of the stadium carried not just technical messages but emotional and national ones too. Minister Bayrakdarian ended her speech with a clear message to athletes and young people in Lebanon:
“This stadium belongs to you. Take care of it, organize activities in it, use it. Be our partners in bringing it back to life. You are Lebanon’s true hope, and sports are one of the strongest ways to give hope.”
A Shared Responsibility
The reopening of Camille Chamoun Sports City is more than just unlocking the gates. It’s about bringing back a piece of Beirut’s proud sports and cultural history. It’s about hearing the cheers again, seeing the players run, and feeling that shared energy Lebanese people have missed for so long. But the real challenge is making sure this progress lasts. Everyone, government, sports federations, the media, and the public shares the responsibility.
This stadium is not just a playing field. It’s a powerful space to build a healthier, stronger, and more united Lebanon.
In a private statement to our correspondent , Minister Bayrakdarian said the current government is trying to create a new way of working, one based on serving the people.
Our goal is to support every ministry and everyone connected to it, especially the youth and sports community. The Ministry of Youth and Sports must live up to its name by working with a clear strategy. We want to bring back hope. The ministry is not far from the people, the state and its institutions are here to serve the people
In a message to young Lebanese people, especially those who have lost faith in the sports sector she said:
“There are strong sports federations in Lebanon organizing tournaments and raising Lebanon’s name abroad, despite all the difficulties. Sports are still alive. We want to move past internal conflicts and show a fresh, positive image of Lebanese sports ”
She ended by reaffirming the full support of the President and Prime Minister for Lebanese youth:
“They’ve expressed their commitment many times. We’re working with them to give young people what they need, so they can stay in Lebanon and not feel forced to leave in search of better opportunities.”
Get to know more about the minister here!
