Southern Arena

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺: 𝗔 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹

On May 21, 2023, President Julius Maada Bio officially opened the Southern Arena Stadium, a landmark achievement by businessman and philanthropist Babadi Kamara, in Bo City. With a capacity of 6,000, this is the first privately owned sports facility of its kind in Sierra Leone.

Babadi Kamara, Chairman of Bo Rangers Football Club, highlighted that the stadium’s purpose extends beyond sports. It aims to foster societal development by cultivating new football talent and honing the skills of young players nationwide. Kamara called on the private sector to join forces with the government in driving national progress.

The inauguration drew a diverse crowd from across Sierra Leone, underscoring the widespread support for this pivotal development in the nation’s football infrastructure. President Bio, addressing the attendees, lauded Kamara’s vision and initiative, emphasizing that the Southern Arena Stadium meets the pressing need for top-tier sports facilities across the country.

Kamara expressed his appreciation for the support from dignitaries and the local community throughout the project. He acknowledged the crucial role played by the Ministry of Sport and the Sierra Leone Football Association, whose recommendations helped ensure the stadium's adherence to international standards. Kamara also thanked everyone who contributed to realizing this ambitious vision.

The Southern Arena Stadium has received approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reinforcing its status as a premier venue for regional football events.

Credit: 📸 By Ronald Sesay