The inauguration of the new stadium of Benghazi: a new display of unity in Libya
The city of Benghazi, the main enclave in eastern Libya, enjoyed the spectacular inauguration of the new Benghazi International Stadium.
It is an imposing sports facility that has made great progress and complies with all international standards following its construction.
Benghazi is a very important centre in north-eastern Libya and is currently controlled by the Government of National Stability, backed by the House of Representatives or Parliament and the Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
The stadium's inauguration was attended by the President of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Stability, several ministers, the commander of the General Command of the Armed Forces, the President of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund and a large audience from different regions of Libya, as well as several guests and prominent personalities.
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The inauguration ceremony of the National Stadium of Benghazi included a great light and sound show and many speeches were made during which national unity, the rejection of differences between Libyans and the development of the African country were called for.
It should be remembered that, since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, there have been struggles for control of the nation between the two poles of power that were established in Libya. On the one hand, the Government of National Unity based in the capital of Tripoli, which has had the support of the United Nations (UN), and the Government of National Stability located in the east of the country, which has the support of the Parliament or House of Representatives and the Libyan National Army, led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, one of the most powerful men in Libya. It is precisely the eastern part of Libya that has great political pre-eminence and considerable economic resources, including control of a large part of the North African nation's oil fields.
The official inauguration was attended by Khalifa Haftar himself, who presided over the two-hour show organised prior to an exhibition match featuring true legends of world football such as Samuel Eto'o, Roberto Carlos, Francesco Totti, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf, John Terry, Julio César, Michel Salgado, Julio Baptista, Jens Lehmann, Michael Owen, David Trezeguet and Nani. The match lasted 30 minutes and was preceded by the descent from the sky of the ball with which the match was played and the appearance of a stuntman flying over the stadium while carrying the Libyan flag.
Important equipment
The International Stadium of Benghazi, which has been financed by the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, is the main reference in terms of sports infrastructure in the Libyan country, and was built in accordance with the latest international standards adopted by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).
The stadium's roofed stands have a capacity for some 42,000 spectators, a significant increase on the previous capacity of 28,000. The stands were built by major specialised international companies.
The stadium includes nine main entrances and 24 emergency exits to facilitate access and evacuation. Stadium officials said the stadium can be evacuated in seven minutes in case of emergency.
The stadium also includes special areas for VIPs and diplomats, including 1,266 seats equipped with smart screens, as well as lifts for people with special mobility needs and service facilities such as restaurants and cafes.
The stadium also has a television broadcasting structure, a room for video refereeing, 177 toilets distributed throughout the stadium, two large screens on the roof and high-quality speakers to guarantee clarity of sound and good understanding of instructions given throughout the stadium.
