Why is Heroes Stadium failing to make revenue despite a $94 million construction cost?

After government and allies spending over $4 […]

After government and allies spending over $4 million in repair and maintenance, the Heroes Stadium is back in the game— hosting key sporting activities.

The stadium was built between 2011 and 2014 at a cost of $94.5 million through a concessional loan from China and has become one of the most monumental sites in the country.

Despite its significance and stature, experts have generally expressed concern over the lack of revenue being generated either through events or just sports.

Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Heroes Stadium Director Raphael Mulenga confirmed that the mega facility has failed to attract maximum revenue due to missing infrastructure.

Analysts have wondered why the stadium management, including the umbrella (government), has failed to emulate the South African structure where companies like Vodacom and FNB are managing stadiums.

According to official information, the FNB Stadium makes about $6.2 million annually from its hiring for commercial activities.

Zambia has a fair share of multinational companies; some of them are actually sponsoring major football clubs. Why can’t they be attracted to beef up the facility?

“We have not been able to generate revenue from the stadium because for a long time it has fallen due to lack of continuous maintenance, but we have seen a significant amount of work done to revamp it.”

He hinted that the stadium has a full rehabilitation, including the entrance gates and the toilets as well as the roof.

Mulenga revealed that the rehabilitation works are also focused on several other parts of the stadium, including the car park.

He expressed optimism that the completion of the works is likely to attract corporate clients who are likely to generate maximum revenue.

“We have church bodies that are housing the lower parts of the stadium, but they are not contributing commercially, and we are still to notify them that we no longer have them so that we can focus on commercial clients, like football matches and concerts.”

“It is within our club to have a club using the Heroes Stadium, we want a viable club and that is under consideration, we will emulate th emirates stadium in EPL which will give rights to the companies to advertize.”

Mulenga also revealed that the land surrounding the stadium is under consideration for leasing to the private sector for the construction of a shopping mall and hotel through a public-private partnership. This includes the construction of a play park and a filling station.

Despite the large spending on maintenance, many are worried that the structure may fall into despair within a short span, just like the past.

However, Mulenga revealed that the management of the stadium, with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, has established a task force that will oversee the day-to-day maintenance and repair.

By Samuel Mutale