Stade du 5 Juillet
Algiers, Algeria
20 August 1955 Stadium
Algiers Algeria
The 20 August 1955 Stadium, located in the heart of the historic Belouizdad district in Algiers, is a legendary temple of Algerian football. As the iconic home of CR Belouizdad (CRB), this stadium is world-renowned for its intense, pressure-cooker atmosphere and its deep roots in the Algerian independence movement. Known as « Le 20-Août » by locals, it offers a raw and authentic football experience, where the proximity of the stands to the pitch creates an intimidating environment for any opponent. For travelers and football fanatics seeking the true soul of North African sport, this historic Algiers venue is an unmissable destination.
By Aziouez - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
History of the stadium
Inaugurated in 1930 during the colonial era as the Stade Municipal, the venue was later renamed to honor the pivotal uprisings of August 20, 1955, during the Algerian War of Independence. For decades, it served as the primary stadium for the Algerian national team before the opening of the 5 July Stadium. It has witnessed the golden eras of Algerian football and remains the spiritual home of CR Belouizdad, one of the most successful clubs in the country. The stadium is not just a sports venue but a historical monument deeply connected to the identity of the Algiers working-class neighborhoods.
Architecture and design
The stadium features a classic English-style rectangular layout, which is a rarity among the multi-sport Olympic stadiums of the region. This design brings the supporters incredibly close to the touchline, removing any barrier between the fans and the players. While the capacity is officially around 10,000 to 15,000, the urban integration of the stadium is unique; it is surrounded by residential buildings where locals often watch matches from their balconies. The pitch is made of high-quality artificial turf, designed to withstand the heavy schedule of domestic league matches and training sessions.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
The atmosphere at the 20 August Stadium is widely considered one of the most intense in Africa. The supporters of CR Belouizdad, known as the « V’s, » transform the stadium into a volcanic « cauldron » with red smoke, rhythmic chanting, and massive banners. Because of its compact size and vertical stands, the acoustic pressure is immense. A matchday here is a sensory explosion that reflects the deep-seated passion of the Belcourt (now Belouizdad) district, making every game feel like a high-stakes battle.
Location and accessibility
Located in the Mohamed Belouizdad district, the stadium is exceptionally central. It is perfectly served by the Algiers Metro, with the « Hamma » and « Jardin d’Essai » stations just a short walk away. Its location in a dense urban area means that driving is highly discouraged on matchdays due to severe traffic congestion and a lack of parking. Walking through the historic streets of the neighborhood toward the stadium is part of the traditional matchday ritual for thousands of Algiers residents.
Origin of the stadium name
The stadium is named after the 20th of August, 1955, a date that marks a major turning point in the Algerian Revolution. The uprisings on this day in the North Constantine region significantly escalated the struggle for independence against French rule. By naming this iconic venue after this date, the Algerian state ensures that the legacy of the « Mujahideen » and the martyrs of the revolution is honored by every generation of sports fans.
Where to Sit
For comfort and a sheltered view, the « Tribune d’Honneur » (Main Stand) is the preferred choice as it is the only section with a roof. However, for the true « Belouizdad experience, » the lateral stands (the Virages) are where the hardcore fans create the world-famous atmosphere. Due to the stadium’s layout, even the lower rows provide a very close view of the players, though the higher rows in the main stand offer the best tactical perspective of the pitch.
