THE PITFALLS OF BUILDING A LARGE STADIUM: LESSONS FROM NIGERIA’S PAST
Nigeria’s sports infrastructure landscape is littered with underused and abandoned projects, serving as a cautionary tale for the proposed construction of a 25,000-capacity stadium. The existing facilities, such as the Samson Siasia Stadium and the Members City Stadium, are stark reminders of our inability to maintain and utilize large sports infrastructure projects effectively.
UNDERUTILIZATION AND MAINTENANCE BURDEN
The Adokiye Amiesiemaka Stadium in Rivers State, one of the last major stadium projects in Nigeria, is a prime example of underutilization and the heavy maintenance burden it places on the state. This stadium, despite its massive capacity, lies largely idle, serving as a drain on the state’s resources.
RENOVATION VS. NEW CONSTRUCTION
In contrast, several major cities in Nigeria have opted for renovating and upgrading their existing stadiums, rather than constructing new ones. The Edo Ogbe Stadium, Ibadan Adamasingba Stadium, Enugu Stadium, Lagos Teslim Balogun Stadium, Onikan Stadium, Agege Stadium, and Kano Stadium are all examples of successful renovations. These upgraded facilities have not only improved the sporting experience but have also been more cost-effective and sustainable.
WORLD-CLASS STADIUM RENOVATIONS
Globally, several iconic stadiums have undergone successful renovations, demonstrating the viability of this approach. Some notable examples include:
– Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain: Renovated in 1998 and again in 2018, increasing capacity while maintaining its historic charm.
– Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany: Opened in 2005, this stadium has undergone several renovations, including the installation of a new playing surface and improved lighting.
– Wembley Stadium in London, UK: Rebuilt in 2007, this iconic stadium has since hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics and the UEFA Champions League Final.
– San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy: Renovated in 1990 and again in 2019, this stadium has maintained its iconic status while improving its facilities and spectator experience.
STADIUMS THAT REDUCED CAPACITY FOR TV FRIENDLINESS
Some stadiums have intentionally reduced their capacity to create a more intimate and TV-friendly atmosphere. Examples include:
– The Emirates Stadium in London, UK: Although it has a capacity of over 60,000, the stadium’s design ensures that the atmosphere remains electric, with steeper seating angles and a lower roof.
– The Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy: This stadium’s capacity was reduced from 69,000 to 41,000 to improve the viewing experience and create a more intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams.
– The Borussia Dortmund Stadium in Dortmund, Germany: This stadium’s capacity was reduced from 54,000 to 45,000 to improve the spectator experience and create a more electric atmosphere.
A MORE PRAGMATIC APPROACH
Given our past experiences and limitations, I strongly advise against constructing a new, large stadium. Instead, I recommend a more pragmatic approach:
1. _Upgrade the Samson Siasia Sports Complex_ to international standards, enabling it to host major games and events.
2. _Develop 8 local government stadiums_, providing more accessible and community-focused sports facilities. This approach will not only be more cost-effective but also promote grassroots sports development and community engagement.
By adopting this approach, we can create a more sustainable, efficient, and effective sports infrastructure network that benefits both the local communities and the nation as a whole.
EBBYZYMORE NUMA
Unapologetic, unbiased, uncompromised masses advocate
