Seven-time Uganda Premier League champions Express Football Club are set to officially launch their new home grounds Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, with an international friendly against Kenya’s AFC Leopards on August 16, 2024.
The announcement was made by the club’s Public Relations Officer, Jeremiah Mugerwa, during a press conference at Hamz Stadium on Thursday, August 8.
“Beginning this season, Express is going to be using Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo as its home ground, and we are going to have an international test game with AFC Leopards from Kenya at 7 pm,” Mugerwa said.
The move to Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo marks the club’s departure from Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, where it has spent the last 33 years.
According to Mugerwa, the decision to move was motivated by the desire by the club to embrace night football and to benefit from the stadium’s proximity to Kampala’s city centre.
“One of the reasons why we came here is to attract night football, because we have seen that it is the way to go. Many people attend night games, and Hamz Stadium gives us that opportunity,” he stated.
In addition to the appeal of night football, Mugerwa pointed out the strategic advantage of Nakivubo’s location.
“The stadium is just a stone’s throw away from the city center, where most of the fans are found. One of the reasons why we came to the city center is because when you look at proximity and nearness, with regards to where people work from, the stadium is very close,” he explained.
He also noted the stadium’s good ambiance and security as factors that influenced the decision.
Before the Express-AFC Leopards game, the launch’s festivities will kick off at 4 pm with a friendly match between Express fans and SC Villa fans.
Following this, Express will unveil their new players and the technical team, giving fans the first look at the squad that will compete in the upcoming season.
Regarding ticketing for the match against AFC Leopards, Mugerwa revealed that ordinary tickets will be sold at UGX 20,000, VIP tickets at UGX 50,000, and VVIP tickets at UGX 100,000.
Tickets will be available directly at the venue. Additionally, the club will announce ticket prices for the home games on that day, with the possibility of slight adjustments due to the change in venue.
“On that very day, we’ll announce to our fans the fares of the home games that we’ll be having. The stadium is a new place with a new ambiance, and for that matter, there will be a slight change as far as the fares are concerned,” Mugerwa noted.
Mugerwa added that the club will also introduce the concept of membership and seasonal tickets during the launch event.
AFC Leopards, who finished fifth in the last season’s Kenya Premier League standings, confirmed the friendly match against Express in a club statement.
“We will travel to Kampala, Uganda, for a friendly match against Express FC. Plans are also underway to unveil the club’s new signings and new team kit,” the statement read.
