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The Southern Arena, widely regarded as one of Sierra Leone’s premier sporting facilities, has officially closed its doors for major renovations, effective immediately.
In a public notice issued Monday, December 15, 2025, Stadium Manager Saidu Sesay announced that the facility’s main bowl would be inaccessible for a period of two months. The closure is intended to facilitate “extensive renovations to improve facilities and enhance the overall experience for our users,” according to the statement.
“We regret to inform you that the Southern Arena main bowl will be closed for major renovation works,” Sesay wrote in the notice addressed to spectators and football enthusiasts. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
The shutdown of the 6,000-capacity venue comes as a significant development for the local football calendar. As the home ground for former Sierra Leone Premier League champions, Bo Rangers FC, the closure will likely force the club to seek a temporary venue for their upcoming home fixtures until the arena’s expected reopening in mid-February 2026.
The Southern Arena has been a fortress for Bo Rangers and a hub for football in the Southern Province since its high-profile opening in May 2023. The management has promised to provide further updates regarding the progress of the works and a specific reopening date.
The Southern Arena is a landmark in Sierra Leonean sports, privately funded and developed by businessman and philanthropist Babadi Kamara, who also chairs Bo Rangers FC. His goal was to bring top-notch sporting facilities beyond the capital, Freetown, where they had long been concentrated.
Located at 23 Caulker Street in Bo City, the stadium seats 6,000 fans and was officially opened by President Julius Maada Bio on May 21, 2023. Built to CAF and FIFA standards, it boasts a premium artificial turf pitch, LED scoreboards, floodlights for night games, and modern changing rooms.
Significance Since its opening, the Southern Arena has transformed the football landscape in Sierra Leone. It was the first major provincial stadium to offer facilities comparable to international standards, allowing it to host high-profile domestic matches, including the Sierra Leone Premier League and the FA Cup. Its construction has been credited with boosting the local economy in Bo and providing a professional platform for the region’s youth talent.
