Fez Stadium
Fez, Morocco
20 August 1955 Stadium
Béchar Algeria
The 20 August 1955 Stadium in Béchar is the legendary « Green Fortress » of the Algerian desert and the home ground of JS Saoura. Located in the southwestern reaches of Algeria, this stadium is famous for its extreme climate and the fierce loyalty of the Saharan fans. As one of the most difficult venues for visiting teams in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1, the Béchar stadium offers a unique football experience where modern sporting ambition meets the raw beauty of the desert. Whether you are tracking JS Saoura’s African campaigns or exploring the passion of Southern Algerian football, the 20 August 1955 Stadium is a symbol of regional pride and sporting excellence.
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Capacity
20.000
History of the stadium
The 20 August 1955 Stadium in Béchar has risen to national prominence alongside its resident club, Jeunesse Sportive de la Saoura (JSS). While the stadium has served the local community for decades, it underwent significant upgrades as JSS climbed the ranks of Algerian football to become a consistent contender in the Ligue 1 and CAF competitions. The stadium’s name commemorates the historic revolutionary uprisings of 1955, a tradition shared by several major Algerian venues to honor the national struggle for independence.
Architecture and design
The stadium is a multi-purpose venue featuring a professional-grade artificial turf pitch, which is essential for maintaining playing standards in the arid Saharan climate. It has a capacity of approximately 20,000 spectators. The design is functional, with large open-air stands that allow for natural ventilation during the intense heat of the region. Over the years, the lighting systems and media facilities have been modernized to meet the requirements for hosting high-profile domestic matches and continental African fixtures.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
The atmosphere in Béchar is unlike any other in Algeria, earned by its reputation as a « hostile » ground for opponents due to the heat and the unwavering support of the JSS fans. The supporters, known for their green and yellow colors, create a vibrant and rhythmic environment that reflects the Saharan culture. Because the stadium is often the focal point of the city’s social life on matchdays, the energy is immense, providing a significant home advantage that has made the 20 August 1955 Stadium one of the hardest places to win in the country.
Location and accessibility
The stadium is centrally located in the city of Béchar, making it easily accessible for the local population. For visitors arriving from outside the region, Béchar is served by the Boudghene Ben Ali Lotfi Airport and a major railway line connecting it to the north of the country. Within the city, taxis are the primary mode of transport to reach the stadium. Its location in the heart of the Saoura region makes it a landmark of identity for the entire southwestern territory of Algeria.
Origin of the stadium name
Like its counterparts in Algiers and Skikda, the stadium is named after August 20, 1955. This date marks the beginning of the North Constantine offensive, a major military and political shift in the Algerian Revolution against colonial rule. By naming the Béchar stadium after this event, the region reaffirms its deep historical connection to the national liberation movement and the unity of the Algerian territory.
Where to Sit
The covered main stand (Tribune Couverte) is the most sought-after area, as it provides essential shade from the desert sun. For those who want to be in the heart of the noise, the lateral stands are where the JSS supporters groups gather to lead the chants. Due to the open design of the stadium, the higher rows in the central stands offer a panoramic view of the pitch against the backdrop of the Saharan landscape.
