As Rwanda’s newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium reopens its gates to top-tier football and major events, its managers are working closely with key stakeholders to establish a pricing model that balances affordability with long-term sustainability.
QA Venue Solutions, which assumed management of the 45,000-seat national stadium in December 2025, says consultations are ongoing with government institutions, sports federations, leagues and clubs to finalize a rate card that reflects both the public nature of the facility and the cost of operating it to international standards.
Speaking in Kigali, the company’s Commercial Director, Tokoloho Moeketsi, emphasized that Amahoro Stadium remains a public asset whose success depends on collective ownership and cooperation.
“We recognise that Amahoro Stadium is public infrastructure. Its sustainability is a shared responsibility so that it continues to serve the community, sports federations, clubs and, above all, the fans,” he said.
The discussions were prompted by growing public interest and social media debate over the cost of renting the venue, following its high-profile reopening. QA Venue Solutions says it is finalizing a pricing structure that ensures the stadium can cover operational expenses while remaining accessible to local sports organizations.
Beyond rental fees, the talks are also addressing the broader match-day experience, including crowd flow, early-arrival incentives and measures to ease pressure on stadium systems during peak hours.
“We want to improve how fans experience events, from entry to exit. Better coordination and planning will help avoid last-minute congestion and enhance overall safety and comfort,” Moeketsi noted.
The Rwanda Premier League has welcomed the consultative approach. Its Chief Executive Officer, Jules Karangwa, confirmed that clubs and league officials are actively involved in shaping the new model.
“This is a different system from what we were used to, but it should be viewed positively,” Karangwa said. “Amahoro Stadium operates at a different scale and standard, and that naturally comes with different cost structures.”
Under the new arrangement, clubs will make upfront payments to cover operational costs such as security, utilities and stewarding, rather than relying solely on post-match revenue sharing. According to Karangwa, this reflects the true cost of maintaining a world-class venue.
“It is not that the stadium is expensive. It is about what it takes to manage it properly and keep it in top condition,” he explained.
QA Venue Solutions’ Country Director, John Ntigengwa, said the company is still in a trial phase, analysing attendance patterns and revenue potential to determine a fair base price. Early discussions have considered a rental range of Rwf3 million to Rwf5 million, with government subsidies expected to support affordability.
He also clarified that total event costs vary depending on factors such as crowd size, security requirements, electricity and water consumption.
Recent claims on social media that clubs could be charged over Rwf100 million per match were dismissed by the Ministry of Sports, which stated that the highest amount paid so far has not exceeded Rwf32 million.
With consultations nearing completion, stakeholders expect a final rate card to be published in the coming days, marking a key step toward ensuring that Amahoro Stadium remains both financially sustainable and accessible—serving as a true national home for sport and major public events.
