The opening game was a friendly played against Energia Ploiești, where Lebanon won 1–0 through a goal scored by Joseph Abou Murad.

[2] Consequently, former Lebanese PM Rafic Hariri initiated a project to rebuild the stadium in preparation for the 2000 AFC Asian Cup.

Finally, the president of the Pan Arab Committee said: "This is a tournament of solidarity between the Lebanese people who have established credibility in their country and given rise to this great sporting event".

[3] The stadium was also the main venue for the 1999 Arab Athletics Championships, the 2000 Asian Cup, and the sixth Jeux de la Francophonie held from September 27 to October 3 of 2009.

Moreover, administration offices, a complex for Lebanon’s Olympic committee and various other sports federations, press centers, clinics to handle emergencies among players and spectators with a parking lot for ambulances and fire engines, have been built beneath the stands.