In the heart of Casablanca, the legendary Stade La Casablancaise reopened its doors on Saturday, October 26, after two decades of neglect. Once a treasured haven for athletes, artists, and citizens alike, the reopening event drew emotional responses from attendees who remembered the stadium’s golden years and its indelible mark on Casablanca’s sports and cultural scene. The ceremony was led by Mohamed Mhidia, the wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, alongside the city’s mayor, Nabila Rmili, local leaders, sports figures past and present, and everyday citizens eager to see their beloved stadium restored.
An icon preserved, modernized
The restoration team worked to maintain La Casablancaise’s original architectural charm while modernizing the facilities to suit contemporary needs. From its theater to fitness areas and martial arts spaces, each room has been revitalized, creating a dynamic environment for sports, arts, and cultural associations. With this new look, the stadium aims to welcome sports clubs, training schools, and local cultural organizations—marking a fresh chapter in its storied existence.
A legacy of unkept promises
The closure of La Casablancaise in 2002 left a deep void in Casablanca’s athletic and cultural communities. The shuttering forced historic sports clubs to dissolve or relocate, losing their footing in a city that once revered them. Over the years, the stadium fell into disrepair, becoming a shelter for the homeless as repeated promises of renovation went unfulfilled. Despite vocal advocacy from citizens and local groups, it took over 20 years for the stadium’s fate to be taken seriously.
But the long wait is finally over. Now, thanks to a joint initiative by Morocco’s Ministry of Education, Preschool, and Sports and the Casablanca City Council, the stadium has been restored. Located near Boulevard Moulay Youssef, La Casablancaise will once again stand as a beacon of community pride and sporting achievement.
A massive renovation project
Beginning in 2023, the comprehensive renovation cost 87 million dirhams, funded by the Moroccan Ministry of Education and Sports. To ensure a sustainable future for La Casablancaise, maintenance and management have been entrusted to Sonarges, Morocco’s national sports facilities company, under a partnership agreement with the ministry and the city. This new approach aims to avoid the neglect of the past and guarantees that the stadium will remain accessible and well-maintained.
Memories of sporting greatness
The reopening of La Casablancaise is not merely about restoring a venue but also a part of Casablanca’s—and Morocco’s—sports history. This stadium witnessed the rise of legends, including Olympic champion Nawal El Moutawakil, who ran some of her first races here. It was also home to the late Fatima Aouam, a record-breaking middle-distance champion in Arab and African athletics, who trained on its tracks as she proudly represented Morocco on the global stage.
A return to glory
Built in the 1930s under French rule, the stadium was originally named Stade Lyautey. Over the decades, it evolved into one of Casablanca’s most celebrated venues, where generations of young athletes and artists found a platform to showcase their talents. Now, with its doors open once again, La Casablancaise promises to be a vibrant center for the community—a space where dreams can be rekindled, and new memories forged.
