The Tamale Sports Stadium, which is seen as the biggest investment made so far by both past and present governments, has now become a centre of attraction for residents in and outside Tamale.

It is believed that most learning institutions, religious organisations, business entities, youth groups and traditional leaders have been visiting the stadium on excursion.

The Chronicle has gathered that married couples, as well as young lovers, within the Metropolis, have turned the magnificent facility into a tourism place, where they hang around and take historical pictures, especially at the night.

A separate visit by the paper to the stadium area, on Wednesday and Thursday Valentine's night, uncovered several people taking leisurely walks, in pairs neatly dressed. While others were spotted riding slowly on motorbikes, with their girlfriends, and constantly looking at the stadium, others, mostly sugar daddies, were also seen hanging around their vehicles, parked under trees in the dark areas around the stadium.

Some of the people, who spoke with The Chronicle, pleaded anonymity, said the stadium area was the most quiet, attractive and serene place to hang out with loved ones.

"It is also a nice place to take pictures, because of the way the authorities have designed the facilities around the stadium, especially the roads. But two particular things, which are not put in place to attract more people here, are sitting places and drinking spots. There are a lot of trees around, so they should try to make available some permanent chairs."

However, others also complained that the lighting system around the stadium was too high up, which sometimes exposes their nocturnal activities to residents living in the vicinity.

The only place around the stadium for relaxation is the Savanna Club House, on the Educational Ridge Road.

The Chronicle has however learnt that the Tamale Stadium is recording a high patronage, because most people want to see the beauty of the facility, and to also have a historical story to tell.

The high patronage is evidenced by the picture accompanying this article. It was taken during the last quarter final match, between Cameroon and Tunisia, in the just-ended Ghana 2008 tournament in Tamale.