Hapoel Kiryat Shmona Nears Return to Home Stadium After War Damage

The northern Israeli football club Hapoel Kiryat Shmona is nearing a return to its home stadium, which sustained damage during the recent conflict. The team has been forced to play "home" games in Netanya for the past four seasons, and has also been training in central Israel following the war. Club officials are working with the municipality and project managers on the rehabilitation of the municipal stadium, which was hit by Hezbollah rockets during the "Swords of Iron" war.

According to current estimates, Hapoel Kiryat Shmona could resume training at their home stadium by mid-November. The club's objective is to host league matches at the Kiryat Shmona stadium by the end of January. The renovations include extensive repairs to war damage in the locker rooms, offices, and technical areas of the western stand, which was significantly impacted. The eastern stand has also been refurbished with new seating imported from abroad, and a new grass pitch has been laid.

Club representatives expressed excitement about the impending return, stating, "Our home is our strength. The players and staff are very much looking forward to returning to the city and hosting in Kiryat Shmona, as it was in the past." Upon their return, both foreign and Israeli players will relocate to Kiryat Shmona. The last home game played in the city before October 7, 2023, was before the current conflict.

If all proceeds as planned, the team's potential return to their home stadium for a match could be against Beitar Jerusalem on February 6, 2027, during matchday 23. Earlier in January, the team is scheduled to host Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Netanya.