Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex

The Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex (commonly known as SKD Stadium or simply SKD) is a multi-purpose stadium in Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia. Opened in 1986, it is primarily used for football and athletics and has hosted national football matches, concerts, political rallies, and humanitarian activities. Published capacity figures vary by source (commonly cited as about 22,000 seats, while other directories list up to 35,000), and the stadium underwent major renovation works funded by China and completed in stages in 2005 and 2013–2017, with further refurbishments reported in 2022. Background The Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex was constructed by the Chinese government Grand during the early 1980s and completed in 1986, during the presidency of Samuel K. Doe, after whom it was named. The stadium was developed as Liberia’s principal national sports venue, intended to host football, athletics, and major public events. During the Second Liberian Civil War, the stadium was used as a refuge for civilians, with thousands of internally displaced persons sheltering at the site. Estimates of the number of people housed at the stadium vary, with some reports citing figures in the tens of thousands, while humanitarian agencies documented the organized relocation of approximately 18,000 displaced persons from the stadium grounds in 2003. Football and sporting use The stadium serves as Liberia’s primary venue for football and major sporting events. It is the home ground of the Liberia national football team and has hosted international fixtures, including FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches. The stadium has also hosted multiple AFCON qualifying matches in previous campaigns, including fixtures against DR Congo, Congo, and Zimbabwe. Following major renovation works completed in 2017, the stadium was officially reopened for national use and resumed hosting domestic and international matches. The complex is also a central venue for domestic competitions organized by the Liberia Football Association, including First Division matches and national school tournaments. In recent years, it has hosted major events such as Liberia’s national high school football championship, bringing together teams from across the country. At the regional level, the stadium has hosted international youth tournaments, including the 2025 WAFU Zone A U-17 Girls Tournament, underscoring its role in West African football development. Renovations The stadium has undergone multiple renovation phases since its opening. In 2005, the Government of Liberia, with funding from China, initiated a major rehabilitation project carried out by Hunan Construction Engineering Group. A more extensive redevelopment project was launched in 2013 under a bilateral agreement between Liberia and China, leading to a comprehensive overhaul of the stadium and surrounding facilities. The project, completed in 2017, included upgrades to the main pitch, seating, and auxiliary sporting infrastructure such as training areas and tennis courts. Despite these improvements, concerns about maintenance and facility management have persisted. In 2020, engineers involved in the renovation project called for improved maintenance and security following reports of damage and poor sanitation. Other uses The stadium has hosted concerts, political events, and national gatherings. In 1988, it was the venue for the Reggae Sunsplash festival, which featured artists including Burning Spear and Yellowman. During the campaign for the Liberian general election, 2011, the Congress for Democratic Change held rallies at the stadium. During the 2014–2015 Ebola epidemic in Liberia, a Chinese-built Ebola treatment unit (ETU) was established within the stadium complex. The 100-bed facility, staffed by Chinese medical personnel, opened in November 2014 and treated confirmed cases during the outbreak. The ETU was decommissioned in May 2015 after the epidemic subsided. The stadium has also been used for national sporting events beyond football, including serving as the finish point for the 2022 Liberia Marathon. Development and future plans In addition to past renovations, the stadium remains the focus of ongoing infrastructure development. In 2024, Liberia and China broke ground on a new sports training facility within the complex aimed at improving athlete development and technical capacity. Further proposals have been advanced to modernize the stadium and expand Liberia’s sporting infrastructure. In 2025, a Saudi-backed delegation supported a reported $25 million plan to revamp the complex and construct an additional modern stadium in Liberia. International football matches This list includes selected international matches hosted at the stadium. References