[2] The stadium was originally named after Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez,[3][4] due to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's close friendship with him.

[4][5] However, following the Libyan Civil War, it was announced that the stadium had been renamed in honour of the so-called Martyrs of February, the people who were killed in fighting to gain control over Eastern Libya.

A capacity crowd watched the match finish 2-1 to the Syrians, with Libya and Al Ahly Benghazi's Ihab Ghafir becoming the first player to score at the stadium, in the 28th minute.

The stadium was a confirmed venue for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations before Libya's role as host of the tournament was cancelled in August 2014.

The stadium hosted the national team's first game in Libya in eight years against Tunisia on 25 March 2021.