Bo Rangers FC Seeks Alternate Venues as Southern Arena Closes Temporarily

Bo Rangers FC Seeks Alternate Venues as Southern Arena Closes Temporarily

The management of Southern Arena has announced the temporary closure of the facility to undergo extensive renovation works. Effective immediately, the closure is expected to last for two months, with a scheduled reopening in mid-February 2026.

In a public notice issued by Stadium Manager Saidu Sesay, it was confirmed that the main bowl will be inaccessible to spectators and clubs during this period. The renovations aim to upgrade the facility’s infrastructure, enhance the match-day experience for fans, and maintain the stadium’s status as a premier sporting hub in the region.

The timing of the renovation presents a significant challenge for Bo Rangers FC, the primary tenants of the 6,000-capacity private facility. The "Elephants" now face a crucial stretch of the Leone Rock Premier League season without their home fortress.

Since its opening in May 2023, Southern Arena has been instrumental in the Rangers’ home dominance, offering world-class artificial turf and floodlights for night fixtures. Without access to the stadium, the club faces two main options:

Postponement: Seeking approval from the Premier League Board to reschedule home fixtures.

Alternative Venues: Hosting home games at nearby facilities, such as the Bo Stadium ("China" Stadium"), which remains a viable option.

Despite the temporary inconvenience to fans in Bo, the renovations are considered necessary by the stadium’s owner, philanthropist Babadi Kamara, to ensure Southern Arena continues to meet CAF and FIFA standards, keeping it eligible for domestic and international competitions.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our facilities," the management notice stated.

Football enthusiasts are encouraged to follow official club channels for updates on rescheduled matches and venue changes for the remainder of December and January.