Doha – Morocco has officially launched the construction tender for the Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane province, with the aim of making it the world’s largest stadium. The second phase of this ambitious project, with an estimated cost of MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million), follows the nearly completed earthworks phase.
According to converging reports, this new stage involves major structural elements including masonry, waterproofing, metal framework, coverings, false ceilings, carpentry, and painting.
The National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP) is supervising the project as the delegated project manager for the National Company for the Implementation and Management of Sports Equipment (SONARGES).
The tender submission deadline has been set for June 10 at 10:00 a.m. Work is expected to take 30 months from the date specified in the service order, which must be issued within 30 days following contract approval.
This timeline aligns with statements from Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, who projected completion by December 2027 in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
The primary objective is to accommodate the finale of the world’s premier sporting spectacle.
The first phase of the project, involving earthworks, was awarded to SGTM for MAD 356 million ($35.6 million) and is now nearly complete, allowing for the core construction to begin.
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“We have designed an English-style stadium with stands close to the pitch. 115,000 spectators will gather in an arena where the atmosphere promises to be electric,” said François Clément, president of the French branch of Populous, which is co-designing the project with Oualalou + Choi.
“Two fan sections have been designed specifically for Raja and Wydad, even more impressive than the one at Tottenham Stadium that we delivered in 2019,” he added.
The stadium, located 38 kilometers northeast of Casablanca in the Beni Amer forest area of El Mansouria, will be part of a 100-hectare complex including training fields, a hotel, conference center, athletics stadium, sports hall, gymnasium, swimming pool, play area, two shopping centers, and four parking lots accommodating 10,463 vehicles.
Due to specific climate and geological conditions at the site, the project requires concrete that complies with Moroccan standard NM 10.1.008.
The selected company must ensure the durability of structures for a century, adapt cement dosages according to exposure classes, and produce concrete mechanically on site.
The tender is open to both domestic and international companies. However, non-Moroccan firms must demonstrate relevant experience through two projects completed in the last ten years: a stadium with at least 40,000 seats and another major project (such as an airport terminal, tourist complex, hospital, or tower) worth at least MAD 6 billion ($600 million).
Designed by Populous and Oualalou + Choi, the stadium’s architecture draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan tents used during moussems (cultural festivals).
Its imposing aluminum lattice covering, partially translucent, embraces these iconic forms while integrating with the wooded landscape of the Benslimane region.
With its 115,000-seat capacity, the Grand Stade Hassan II will surpass North Korea’s May Day Stadium (114,000 seats) to become the world’s largest.
Beyond sports, the multipurpose venue will host concerts, cultural events, and potentially Olympic Games—which would be a first for Africa.
The government and the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) secured financing through a partnership agreement signed on October 20, 2023, covering both this project and the upgrading of six existing football stadiums across Morocco.
