Independence Stadium (Bakau)

Independence Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Bakau, Gambia. It is currently used mostly for football matches, although it is also used for athletics, concerts, political events, trade fairs and national celebrations. The stadium holds 40,000[2] people.

For other uses, see Independence Stadium (disambiguation).
Independence Stadium
LocationBakau, Gambia
Coordinates13°28′7.7″N 16°40′40.1″W
Capacity40,000[1]
Record attendance45,000 (Gambia vs Algeria, 8 September 2018)
Field size105 m × 68 m
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Opened1984
Renovated2011, 2022–present
Tenants
Gambia national football team (1984–present)
Wallidan FC
Football fans watching Gambia v Guinea

Notable events

10th anniversary of the July 22nd revolution

On 22 July 2004, heads of state and dignitaries from several African nations, and the Taiwanese prime minister attended a large parade to mark the tenth anniversary of the assumption to power of President Jammeh.[3]

On 18 February 2017 the 52nd Independence Anniversary Celebrations, and inauguration of Adama Barrow as President of the Republic of The Gambia, was held at the Independence Stadium Bakau, Gambia.

52nd Independence Anniversary Celebrations and Inauguration of His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow President of the Republic of The Gambia

Lifeline Expedition
Main article: Lifeline Expedition

In June 2006, Andrew Hawkins (a descendant of England's first slave trader Sir John Hawkins) and 20 friends from the Christian charity Lifeline Expedition knelt in chains before 25,000 Africans to ask forgiveness for his ancestor's involvement in the slave trade.

Vice President Isatou Njie Saidy symbolically removed the chains in a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness.[4][5]

See also

References
  1. "Gambia - Algeria: 40,000 fans pack into 25,000 seat stadium".
  2. "Gambia National Stadium". Archived from the original on 2013-09-23. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
  3. "Office of The Gambian President: State House Online: Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  4. Slaver's descendant begs forgiveness - Times Online
  5. BBC NEWS | UK | 'My ancestor traded in human misery'
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