9 July Stadium

The ground sits within the Misurata Sports City complex. The pitch itself is natural grass. The stands are tiered but basic, with rows of concrete benches under the direct sun, offering little shade for the supporters who gather there on match days.

This is the home of Al-Suwaihli SC and Al-Ittihad Misurata SC. The surface is worn in patches, particularly near the penalty areas, showing the wear of countless games played under the North African sun. Between fixtures, the grounds are quiet, save for the maintenance crews cutting the grass and the security guards patrolling the perimeter.

The stadium has hosted international matches, including a World Cup qualifier against Cameroon and a game against DR Congo, though these events are now part of the past. The capacity is debated, with some sources suggesting ten thousand and others claiming sixteen, a discrepancy that matters little to the local fans who pack the stands regardless. The name '9 July' is a nod to Libyan history, but for the people of Misrata, the ground is simply their place to watch football. It lacks the modern amenities of newer venues, but it has a raw authenticity that comes from being the only place in town where the community gathers to watch the game. The sky above is often clear and blue, contrasting with the grey concrete of the stands, and the wind from the Mediterranean sometimes sweeps through the open sections, carrying the smell of salt and sweat.