Vatani Stadium

Vatani Stadium (Persian: ورزشگاه وطنی; Vârzeshgah-e Vâtâni) is a multi-use stadium in Qa'em Shahr, Iran. It is currently used for football matches and is the home stadium of Persian Gulf Pro League team Nassaji Mazandaran. The stadium holds 15,000 people.^[1]

Vatani Stadium

Vatani Stadium in 2019
Full name	Vatani Stadium
Location	Qa'em Shahr, Iran
Coordinates	36.466219°N 52.861079°E / 36.466219; 52.861079
Owner	Iran Physical Education Organization
Capacity	15,000 (Football)
Surface	Grass
Opened	9 May 1946
Tenants
Nassaji Mazandaran

Background

The location of Shahid Vatani Stadium is situated near Sari Street in the city of Qaem Shahr. After the Occupation of Iran during World War II, it was initially turned into a military base by the forces of the Soviet Union. Over time, they created a football field in one corner of the base for their soldiers to engage in sports activities. Following the withdrawal of Soviet forces on 9 May 1946, the site was transformed into a stadium. Employees of the textile factory used to play football at the stadium—originally named Shahna, like the factory—after their work shifts.

Since 1959, the stadium became the home ground for the Nassaji football team. After the 1979 Revolution, the stadium was briefly renamed Eftekhari and then changed to Shahid Vatani in honor of Mohammadreza Vatani. Nassaji has managed to defeat teams like Esteghlal and Persepolis in this stadium.^[2]

Renovation and Reconstruction

Coinciding with the return of the Nassaji team to the Persian Gulf Pro League in May 2018, this stadium was equipped and renovated under the orders of the Minister of Sports at the time. The renovation was completed by 2019, which included refurbishing the stadium's stands and locker rooms.^[3][4]

Specifications

The stadium's playing field has natural grass, and the spectator stands are close to the field. Surrounding the grass is a six-lane track and field track made of artificial turf, which was previously tartan. A special section for commentators and a VIP area have been constructed opposite the main stands.^[5][6][7]

Capacity

Previously, the stadium had a modest set of stands, with the two teams' locker rooms located beneath them. A VIP section was also positioned at the center, level with the two stands. Over time, the capacity of the stadium was increased to 15,000 spectators.^[8]