Jinnah Stadium Islamabad: Capacity, History & Major Events
The largest stadium in Pakistan’s capital — and soon the centrepiece of the 2027 South Asian Games. This is the complete guide to Jinnah Stadium Islamabad: capacity, history, the certified athletics track and the events it hosts.
Quick answer: Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad holds about 48,200 spectators, opened in 1970, and is named after Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Its synthetic athletics track is World Athletics Class 2 certified (valid to October 2030). It has hosted two South Asian Games (1989, 2004) and will host the 14th edition in April 2027.
In this guide
Key Facts
- Capacity: ~48,200 (16 enclosures of ~3,400 each + 500 VIP seats).
- Opened: 1970; named after Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
- Location: Garden Avenue, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
- Sports: football, athletics, hockey; all-weather synthetic track.
- Facilities: electronic scoreboard, floodlights, changing rooms, accommodation for 175 athletes.
History & Events
- 1989 & 2004: South Asian Games (then SAF Games).
- 2005: SAFF Championship semi-finals and final.
- 2014: SAFF Women’s Championship.
- 2016–17: Quaid-e-Azam Inter-Provincial Youth Games.
- 2023–24: FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers (Pakistan’s home internationals, including vs Cambodia and Jordan).
- 2027: 14th South Asian Games (3–11 April).
The Certified Track
In August 2026 the PSB confirmed the stadium’s athletics track holds a World Athletics Class 2 certification (Construction Category III), Certificate S-23-0356-1, valid through October 2030. The track was surveyed by Estonia’s Kanstet Ltd, with materials independently tested by PCSIR — the technical foundation for hosting the 2027 South Asian Games athletics.
More: sports complex guide · Pakistan Sports Board · South Asian Games 2027.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Jinnah Stadium Islamabad?
About 48,200 spectators across 16 enclosures, with 500 VIP seats.
When was Jinnah Stadium built?
1970. It is named after Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
What events has Jinnah Stadium hosted?
The 1989 and 2004 South Asian Games, the 2005 SAFF Championship finals, the 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and it will host the 14th South Asian Games in April 2027.
