Due to variations in land elevation, the project necessitated extensive excavation, involving the removal of approximately 500,000 tons of soil.

This early stage presented considerable challenges, exacerbated by heavy rainfall that led to instances of mud flooding.

The stadium was primarily designed and its construction was initiated with the intention of hosting the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, under the leadership of Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan, but On 30 November 2018, CAF stripped Cameroon of hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations because of delays in the construction of stadiums and other necessary infrastructure;[4] it was relocated to Egypt.

[8] The ground was broken for the stadium on 22 December 2016 by Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan, with the presence of a China embassy representative.

This moniker was bestowed due to the presence of 96 columns encircling the entire structure, creating a dynamic arcade adorned with stained glass in the national colors.

Official construction activities commenced on December 22, 2016, with an initial delivery deadline set for October 2019, totaling 34 months for completion.

Several factors contributed to the delay, including adverse weather conditions, a considerable number of malaria cases among the Chinese workforce, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic late in the project timeline.

Due to the international collaboration involved in the stadium's construction, the Ivorian government was responsible for covering only a portion of the project's cost, with the remaining funds provided by China.

Many officials and the Chinese ambassador in Ivory Coast were also present at a party in the stadium which contained a show of dance and music.