Ibn Batouta Stadium, a strait-side giant looking toward Europe
On a clear day, you can spot the Spanish coastline from the upper tiers. This proximity to Europe defines the atmosphere at Ibn Batouta Stadium. On match nights, fans often take the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to cheer on their team. The venue is named after Ibn Battuta, the famed medieval Arab explorer who was born in Tangier during the 14th century.
Why visit this stadium?
After 26 months of massive renovations, Ibn Batouta Stadium reopened on November 14, 2025, with a capacity of 75,500 seats. It is now the largest venue in Morocco and the most expansive stadium for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The transformation is complete. The old athletics track is gone, the stands now sit right against the pitch, and a massive roof covers every seat.
Ittihad Riadi de Tanger, the local club that won the Morocco league title in 2018, plays its home games here. The stadium has already hosted high-profile events, including the 2018 Spanish Super Cup between Barcelona and Sevilla, two editions of the French Champions Trophy, and the historic Morocco versus Brazil match in March 2023, which drew a crowd of 65,000.
A record-breaking roof for a demanding climate
The most impressive part of the renovation is the undulating roof spanning 55,000 square meters. This hybrid structure, made of metal cables and a translucent textile membrane, is the second largest of its kind in the world after the Maracana. Its installation in just 69 days set a world record that drew international attention.
Engineers designed the roof to withstand the strong winds that frequently sweep across the strait. The membrane filters natural light while keeping spectators dry. At night, colorful lighting turns the stadium into a beacon visible from the surrounding hills.
Facilities and hospitality
Stands and suites
The white and blue seats, inspired by Tangier, are spread across three levels. The main stand hosts 210 guests of honor, while VIP and VVIP areas total 1,300 seats. There are 142 luxury suites with direct views of the pitch, each accommodating 10 to 20 people. Twelve elevators ensure full access for guests with reduced mobility.
Advanced technology
Two giant screens of 220 square meters each dominate the corners. A perimeter LED ribbon board stretches 700 meters around the field. Nearly 900 security cameras monitor the site. The hybrid pitch, which uses a mix of locally grown natural grass and synthetic fibers, recovers quickly after matches thanks to a dual-direction drainage system.
Pro tip: Take the free shuttles provided on match days. They run starting at 3:00 PM from five park-and-ride lots: route de Rabat, Corniche, Merkala, Place de la Ligue arabe, and the high-speed train station. The Accès Stade app from Tanja Mobilité shows real-time routes and parking availability.
A full sports complex
The stadium is the heart of a sports complex that includes an Olympic-size pool, tennis facilities, an indoor arena, a practice field, and even an indoor pétanque court. Parking areas provide roughly 400 VVIP spots, 700 VIP spots, and 3,000 spots for the general public.
For the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Tangier will host six matches, including one semifinal. Senegal, which has set up its base camp in the city, will play all of its group-stage matches here. The stadium is also scheduled to host matches for the 2030 World Cup, potentially including the semifinals.