After the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003, at least 500 Kurds who had been displaced returned to Kirkuk and settled in the stadium.

[3] Subsequently, the stadium underwent renovations costing approximately 20 billion Iraqi dinars (around 11.7 million euros)[3] and was expanded to include a hotel and two training grounds, among other additions.

[4] The construction works were funded by the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports.

[5] The project began in 2011, with the initial completion date set for 2015.

[5] In January 2020, the budget for the project was increased to 33.5 billion dinars (approximately 25.2 million euros).