Complete guide to Stade Al Madina: Zone 1, 2, 3 seating map, gates, VIP sections, transport by tramway, and match day tips.
Stade Al Madina Rabat: Zone Map, Gates & Complete Visitor Guide
Stade Al Madina is a 21,000-capacity multi-use stadium in the Hay Riad district of Rabat, built in record time (9 months) and opened in 2025. It is the home of AS FAR (Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales) and forms part of the larger Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex.
Previously known as Stade Al Barid, the stadium was fully renovated for AFCON 2025, where it served as a group stage venue. Its athletics track, Diamond League credentials, and location inside Morocco's flagship sports complex make it one of the most distinctive stadiums in North Africa.
For a full overview of Rabat's stadiums, see our Rabat city guide.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Stade Al Madina |
| Common names | Stade Al Barid (former) |
| City | Rabat, Morocco |
| Capacity | 21,000 |
| Opened | 2025 (rebuilt in 9 months) |
| Home team | AS FAR (Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales) |
| Operator | SONARGES |
| Surface | Natural grass |
| Athletics track | Yes — 8 lanes + 9-lane 110m sprint straight |
| Athletics events | Diamond League Mohammed VI Athletics Meeting |
| Complex | Part of Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex |
| AFCON 2025 | Group stage venue |
| Tramway | Madinat Al Irfane stop (400m walk) |
Seating Zone Map
The map below shows the official seating zones at Stade Al Madina, based on the AS FAR zone map. The stadium uses a zone numbering system (Zone 1, 2, 3) rather than ticket categories.
21,000
capacity
3
public zones
8
athletics lanes
400m
to tramway
Based on official AS FAR (Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales) zone map. Also known as Stade Al Madina · Stade Al Barid (former name) · Stade Olympique de Rabat. Tramway Line 1/2 · Madinat Al Irfane stop · 400m walk.
Seating Zones Explained
Zone 2 — Tribune Nord (North stand)
Zone 2 is the north stand behind the goal, and home to AS FAR's most passionate supporters. This is where the club's ultras are based — expect drumming, chanting, and tifo displays during home matches. The north stand has two tiers.
- Best for: atmosphere, local derbies, budget tickets
- Access: gates on the north side of the stadium
- Away fans: not in this zone — see Visiteurs section below
Zone 1 — Tribune Latérale Droite (East lateral stand)
Zone 1 runs along the right side of the pitch (east stand) as you face the pitch from the south. It is a lateral stand offering diagonal sightlines from the side. Two tiers of open seating.
- Best for: good overall pitch view, mid-range price
- Access: east-side gates
Zone 3 — Tribune Latérale Gauche (West lateral stand)
Zone 3 mirrors Zone 1 on the left/west side of the pitch. Also a two-tier lateral stand with open seating.
- Best for: similar views to Zone 1, slightly different camera angle
- Access: west-side gates
Loges / VIP A / VIP B / Media — Tribune Sud (South stand)
The south stand is the premium end of the stadium, housing:
- VIP A — premium hospitality seating, left of centre
- VIP B — premium hospitality seating, right of centre
- Media / Presse — press tribune with broadcast positions
- Loges — private boxes along the south stand
This is also the end closest to the main Prince Moulay Abdellah complex entrance.
Visiteurs — Away fans section
Away supporters are allocated a dedicated Visiteurs section in the south-west corner of the stadium, separated from home fans by a Zone Tampon (buffer zone) managed by stadium security. Away fans enter via a designated gate on the south-west side.
Gate Guide
Stade Al Madina has multiple access gates distributed around the stadium perimeter. The most commonly referenced are:
| Gate | Stand | Zone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North gates | Tribune Nord | Zone 2 | Main AS FAR supporter entry |
| West gates | Tribune Latérale Gauche | Zone 3 | Lateral stand left |
| East gates | Tribune Latérale Droite | Zone 1 | Lateral stand right |
| South gates | Tribune Sud / Loges | VIP/Media | Premium and press access |
| SW gate | Visiteurs section | — | Away fans only |
Porte F — this is one of the most searched gates for Stade Al Madina. Porte F is located on the south side of the stadium and serves the Loges and VIP B sections of the Tribune Sud. If your ticket says "Porte F", follow signs to the south entrance and look for the F gate marker.
Getting to Stade Al Madina
The stadium shares transport infrastructure with the adjacent Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, making it one of the best-connected venues in Morocco.
Tramway (recommended)
Lines 1 and 2 → Madinat Al Irfane station
- Walk: 400m from tram stop (5 minutes)
- Journey from Rabat Ville train station: 10–15 minutes
- Cost:
10 MAD (€1) - Frequency: every 10–15 minutes (increased on match days)
- Hours: 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM
This is the easiest and cheapest option. The tram runs directly from the city centre and from Rabat Agdal district.
Taxi
- From city centre: 30–50 MAD, 15 minutes
- From Rabat Ville train station: 40–60 MAD, 10 minutes
- Apps: Careem and Heetch operate in Rabat
From Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA)
- Distance: 18 km | ~30 minutes
- Airport train to Rabat Ville (15 min, ~25 MAD) → tram to Madinat Al Irfane (10 min)
- Direct taxi: 150–200 MAD
By car
- Parking: shared with the Prince Moulay Abdellah main stadium complex
- Underground and surface parking available
- On match days: arrive 90+ minutes early — tram is strongly recommended
From other cities
| From | Best option | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca | Al Boraq train to Rabat Ville + tram | ~70 min |
| Tangier | Al Boraq train to Rabat Ville + tram | ~2.5 hrs |
| Marrakech | Train to Rabat + tram | ~3 hrs |
| Agadir | Bus to Marrakech + train | ~7 hrs |
AS FAR — The Home Club
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full name | Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Colours | Red and white |
| League | Botola Pro (top flight) |
| Stadium colours | Red seats in VIP section; green main bowl |
| Ultras | Active north stand supporter group |
| Rivals | FUS Rabat (city derby) |
AS FAR is the football club of Morocco's Royal Armed Forces and one of the country's most storied clubs. Home derbies against FUS Rabat are among the most intense in Moroccan football. The Zone 2 north stand is the heart of the atmosphere.
Stadium Facilities
Athletics
Stade Al Madina is not just a football ground — it is a fully certified Diamond League athletics venue:
- 8-lane main athletics track (tartan, Category A)
- 9-lane 110m sprint straight
- Host of the Diamond League Mohammed VI Athletics Meeting
- One of only two Diamond League venues in Africa
Other facilities
- VIP boxes and hospitality lounges (Tribune Sud)
- Media centre and broadcast positions
- Modern dressing rooms built to FIFA/CAF standards
- Shared parking with Prince Moulay Abdellah complex (5,200 spaces total)
- Accessible entrances and wheelchair seating in all zones
Match Day Tips
Arrival
| Match type | Arrive before kickoff |
|---|---|
| Botola Pro (AS FAR home) | 45–60 minutes |
| Rabat derby (AS FAR vs FUS) | 90 minutes |
| International / cup match | 90–120 minutes |
What to bring
- Valid ticket (QR code or printed) — note your zone and gate carefully
- Photo ID (passport or national ID)
- Small bag (max 30×30×15cm)
- Light jacket — Rabat evenings can be cool, especially December–March
- Cash (MAD) for concessions inside
What's not allowed
- Large bags or backpacks
- Glass bottles
- Professional cameras (DSLR with detachable lens)
- Fireworks, flares, smoke canisters
- Outside food and drinks
Weather in Rabat
| Month | Daytime | Evening | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | 15–18°C | 8–12°C | Cool, rain possible — bring layer |
| Mar–May | 18–24°C | 12–16°C | Pleasant, ideal match conditions |
| Sep–Nov | 22–28°C | 14–18°C | Warm, little rain |
| Jun–Aug | 28–34°C | 18–22°C | Hot — afternoon matches uncomfortable |
Where to Stay
Stade Al Madina is in the Madinat Al Irfane / Hay Riad area, well connected to central Rabat by tram. Staying in the city centre gives easy tram access to the stadium.
Closest hotels (within 3km)
The View Rabat — 1.9 km Modern design, rooftop pool, city views | ~$150–250/night
Ibis Rabat Agdal — 3 km Reliable mid-range chain, near tram | ~$70–120/night
Hotel Majliss — 3.5 km Comfortable, local character | ~$60–100/night
For a cultural stay
Riad Kalaa (Rabat Medina) — 7 km Traditional riad, authentic experience, 30-min tram ride | ~$80–150/night
All hotels are bookable via Kayak — prices increase significantly during international matches at either Rabat stadium.
Nearby Attractions in Rabat
| Attraction | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium | Adjacent | Morocco's flagship 69,500-capacity venue |
| Hassan Tower | 7 km | Iconic 12th-century minaret |
| Mausoleum of Mohammed V | 7 km | Royal mausoleum, stunning architecture |
| Kasbah of the Udayas | 8 km | Medieval fortress, Atlantic views |
| Chellah Necropolis | 6 km | Roman-Islamic ruins |
| Rabat Medina | 7 km | Old city souks and cafés |
| Salé (across the river) | 5 km | Pottery souks, quieter medina |
Stade Al Madina vs Moulay Abdellah — What's the Difference?
Both stadiums are on the same site (Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex), but they are two separate venues:
| Feature | Stade Al Madina (Olympique) | Prince Moulay Abdellah |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 21,000 | 69,500 |
| Primary use | AS FAR football + athletics | Morocco national team |
| Athletics track | Yes (Diamond League) | No |
| AFCON 2025 role | Group stage | Opening match + Final |
| Tramway stop | Both share Madinat Al Irfane (400m) | Same |
If you have a ticket for a Morocco national team match or an AFCON knockout game, you want the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium. If your ticket is for an AS FAR league match or the Mohammed VI Athletics Meeting, you want Stade Al Madina. Both are a 5-minute walk from the Madinat Al Irfane tram stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stade Al Madina also called? It is officially the Stade Olympique de Rabat. It was formerly known as Stade Al Barid before its 2025 renovation. "Stade Al Madina" is the most commonly used name today.
Where is Porte F at Stade Al Madina? Porte F is on the south side of the stadium, serving the Loges and VIP B sections of the Tribune Sud. If you have a premium or hospitality ticket, you'll enter via the south gates. Follow signs from the Madinat Al Irfane tram stop — the south entrance is on your left as you approach the complex.
What are the zones at Stade Al Madina? Three main zones: Zone 2 (Tribune Nord — north stand, home ultras), Zone 1 (Tribune Latérale Droite — east side), and Zone 3 (Tribune Latérale Gauche — west side). The south stand has Loges, VIP A, VIP B, and Media sections.
How do I get to Stade Al Madina by tram? Take Tramway Line 1 or 2 to Madinat Al Irfane station. The stadium is a 400m (5-minute) walk. Journey from Rabat Ville station is 10–15 minutes.
Is Stade Al Madina the same as Stade Olympique de Rabat? Yes — same stadium, different names. The official name is Stade Olympique de Rabat. It is also called Stade Al Madina (current popular name) and was formerly known as Stade Al Barid.
What is the capacity of Stade Al Madina? 21,000 seats. It is smaller than the adjacent Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (69,500) but shares the same complex and transport links.
Does Stade Al Madina have a Diamond League athletics meeting? Yes. The stadium hosts the Mohammed VI Athletics Meeting, part of the World Athletics Diamond League. It has an 8-lane tartan track and a 9-lane 110m sprint straight.
Contact & Tickets
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| SONARGES (stadium operator) | [email protected] · +212 537 798 303 |
| AS FAR official | asfar.ma |
| International tickets | tickets.cafonline.com |
| Tramway (STAREO) | ratpdev-maroc.com |
| Rabat tourism | visitrabat.com |
| Emergency (police) | 19 |
| Emergency (ambulance/fire) | 15 |
Last updated: March 2026 | Sources: SONARGES, AS FAR zone map, CAF, World Athletics
In this article
- Stade Al Madina Rabat: Zone Map, Gates & Complete Visitor Guide
- Quick Facts
- Seating Zone Map
- Seating Zones Explained
- Gate Guide
- Getting to Stade Al Madina
- AS FAR — The Home Club
- Stadium Facilities
- Match Day Tips
- Where to Stay
- Nearby Attractions in Rabat
- Stade Al Madina vs Moulay Abdellah — What's the Difference?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact & Tickets
Written by
Morocco Stadiums Team
AFCON 2025 Guide
