HIBAPRESS – Mohamed Zerriouh
The 2027 finance bill carries new developments regarding the anticipated Grand Stadium in Nador, after an additional 30 billion centimes were allocated to complete the project's funding, adding to the 20 billion centimes previously earmarked in 2026.
Thus, the allocated financial cost reaches 50 billion centimes, or 500 million dirhams, a step that brings this sports endeavor back to the forefront of local attention and revives the aspirations of the region's residents to benefit from infrastructure that matches their sporting ambitions.
In terms of specifications, the stadium is expected to accommodate around 20,000 spectators, with fully covered stands, allowing fans to follow matches in better conditions.
A total area of approximately 18.5 hectares has been chosen for the project at the entrance of Nador city, in a strategic location that will give the facility an urban and sporting dimension, making it one of the city's new landmarks once it becomes operational.
The project is not limited to constructing a main pitch with natural grass, but includes an integrated concept that encompasses additional training pitches, facilities for players and referees, locker rooms, and medical, administrative, and technical spaces.
This approach reflects the desire to provide an infrastructure capable of hosting football competitions and facilitating preparation and training conditions, rather than just building stands to accommodate spectators on match days.
In terms of organization and services, the design includes spaces for VIPs, facilities for media and press conferences, equipment for receiving people with disabilities, as well as parking lots divided among the public, important personalities, teams, referees, and emergency services.
The architectural design is also based on covering all stands, taking into account natural ventilation and integration with the urban and natural surroundings, giving the facility modern specifications that meet the requirements of contemporary sports stadiums.
Between the announced funding amount and the project's engineering design, attention in Nador is focused on the practical steps that will determine when this dream becomes a reality. Fan expectations go beyond budget announcements or specification disclosures; they extend to accelerating work and ensuring project execution according to the required standards.
For local clubs, foremost among them Hilal Nador, the new stadium represents an opportunity to host matches in better conditions, while the real challenge remains for this investment to become a tangible lever for developing football and sports in the region, and enhancing Nador's national presence.
