Martyrs of 12 March stadium prepares to host Syrian premier league matches after renovation

The management of Martyrs of 12 March Stadium in the city of Qamishlo, in the Jazira region, has announced that the stadium is ready to host Syrian Premier League matches following the completion of renovation and maintenance work, which covered the playing field and several facilities within the sports complex.

The stadium is one of the most prominent sporting landmarks in Qamishlo. Established in the 1960s, it served as the main home ground of Al-Jihad Sports Club. Its name is also associated with the Qamishlo Massacre of 12 March 2004, when the Baathist regime committed atrocities against Kurds following events that erupted in the stadium’s stands. These events later developed into a popular uprising that spread throughout all Kurdish areas in Syria. Since then, the stadium has held symbolic and historical significance for the people of the region.

With the start of the 2026–2027 Syrian Premier League season, the stadium’s rehabilitation comes after years of being unable to host Syrian football competitions. Its reopening will allow the city’s clubs to return to playing on their home ground in front of their fans, after previously having to travel to Damascus and Aleppo to participate in national competitions.

In a statement to our agency, ANHA, Mohammed Mashouq Abdo, a member of the stadium’s administration, explained that the maintenance and rehabilitation work included preparing the stands and players’ changing rooms, as well as completely re-turfing the playing field. He confirmed that the necessary preparations for hosting both the first- and second-leg matches of the Premier League have been completed.

Abdo noted that the stadium might not host the league’s opening match. However, the other matches scheduled to take place there will be held regularly once the competition begins. He stressed that Martyrs of 12 March Stadium belongs to the people of the city and the region’s athletes, and that its doors are open to everyone.

He explained that the events the country has experienced caused Syrian football activities at the stadium to be suspended for years, forcing the city’s teams to endure the difficulties of travelling to Damascus and Aleppo to participate in national competitions.

He added that this situation has come to an end with the stadium’s rehabilitation, pointing out that the teams will no longer have to play their matches outside the region. Playing in Qamishlo in front of their home supporters, he said, will give players greater confidence and improve their chances of winning.

Abdo concluded by confirming that the stadium would be ready from the third round of the league onward and that it was prepared to host various championships and leagues held across Syria.

Qamishlo Sport Club, formerly known as Al-Hilal, is currently competing in the Syrian Premier League. It won its opening-round match against Al-Wahda Club by a score of 1–0 in a game played in the capital, Damascus.

ANHA