In continuation of the momentum sparked by President Joseph Aoun and Dr. Naji Hammoud’s joint efforts to revive Lebanon’s sports sector, the long-dormant Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium reopened its doors in 2025 after eight years of inactivity.
Reopened with Limited Resources
Most notably, the football field, once neglected and unusable, has undergone basic reactivation, thanks to the persistent efforts of Director General Dr. Naji Hammoud and a modest budget solely allocated by the Lebanese state. Though the stadium still lacks many vital upgrades, the priority was to restore functionality, not perfection. As a result, life has returned to the field, which is now capable of hosting football and basketball matches once again.
Lebanon’s largest stadium, once considered the crown jewel of national sports, is now slowly reclaiming its place,field by field, court by court.
Past Challenges
Past attempts to revive the stadium in 2018 and 2019 faced serious logistical and administrative hurdles. However, under the current leadership and renewed national spirit, the project was finally set in motion, proving that even in a country plagued by crisis, progress is possible.
A Symbol of National Renewal
This move is being hailed as part of Lebanon’s “new chapter” where neglected sectors like sports are being given another chance to flourish. While much remains to be done in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and long-term planning, this reopening symbolizes a return of hope for athletes and sports fans alike.
On the other side
Lebanon’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Noura Bairakdarian, visited Camille Chamoun Sports City in Beirut along with top officials from the ministry few weeks ago.
Away from media coverage, the minister toured the damaged parts of the football stadium and the closed Pierre Gemayel indoor arena. She listened to a detailed explanation from Dr. Naji Hammoud, the acting Director General of the Public Institution for Sports Facilities, about the current condition of the stadium and the reconditioning work done on the grass field and football facilities.
Minister Bairakdarian requested a priority report from Dr. Hammoud, especially focusing on the essential infrastructure: the football stadium, the athletics track, and the multi-purpose indoor hall.
