Bahir Dar Stadium

The construction of Bahir Dar Stadium began in 2008 by MIDROC Ethiopia and completed in 2015. In February 2015, the stadium gained recognition from CAF and FIFA hosting its first international matches . The game was attended by more than 70,000 spectators which was over the capacity of the stadium. Less than a week later, on June 21, 2015, Bahir Dar Stadium hosted the 2016 African Nations Championship qualification match between Ethiopia and Kenya in front of more than 60,000 spectators. In November 2015, the Bahir Dar Stadium was selected as one of the three host venue for the 2015 CECAFA Cup. Due to the Bahir Dar Stadium's large seating capacity and the significant revenue it produces, the Ethiopian Football Federation registered the Bahir Dar stadium as one of the national team's home venues, along with the Addis Ababa National Stadium in Addis Ababa. In October 2021, CAF suspended the Bahir Dar Stadium from hosting international competitions. Muhammed F. Sidat, CAF's club licensing senior manager, stated that the stadium failed to meet at least seven key requirements set by CAF. These included inadequate medical facilities, as well as insufficient VIP, media, and training centers. ==Reconstruction and Renovation==

Following the suspension of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in October 2021, the Amhara regional government, in collaboration with the Federal government of Ethiopia, began renovating and constructing the Bahir Dar Stadium to meet the minimum standards set by CAF and FIFA. The project, which has a budget of 2.2 billion Ethiopian birr, is being carried out by Ethiopian construction company MIDROC and the French firm Gregori. The renovations and construction of the stadium are expected to be fully completed by the end of 2026. Once finished, the Bahir Dar Stadium is anticipated to meet CAF Category 4 standards, making it a premier venue for prestigious African club competitions, national team matches, and events such as the Africa Cup of Nations. ==References==