6 minute read
FIFA World Cup
BUILDING IT UP
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar is upon us. SportsNation takes a closer look at the eight new stadiums hosting the 64 games
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Ever since Qatar was awarded the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2010, the tiny gulf nation has had to deal with controversy. From claims that the country “bought” the tournament to concerns over its treatment of foreign labourers, disregard for human rights and its laws regarding homosexuality, the Arab nation has faced an uphill task in trying to keep the focus on footballing matters.
It hasn’t been plain sailing regarding on-pitch issues either. There was, initially, fierce and wide-spread opposition to a winter tournament from European leagues, who said it would disrupt and extend their seasons. Doubts were also cast about the sensibility – and sustainability – of creating eight huge stadiums needed to host the tournament in a country smaller than Wales.
But here we are, all ready for the opening game on 20 November. And if something is for certain, it is that the players will have the benefit of playing the games in superb new venues.
Stadium 974
Capacity: 40,000 Architects: Fenwick Iribarren Architects Games: six group games and one round-of-16 match
The tournament’s only waterfront venue was constructed using standard shipping containers and modular steel elements, echoing the nearby port and the industrial history of the location. The stadium’s clever modular design meant that fewer normal building materials were required than in traditional stadium development, which helped keep construction costs down.
The result is a distinctive, boldly colourful and modern arena – and the first fully demountable, covered football stadium. The containers and superstructure will be reused in legacy mode to create business and leisure facilities for the local community.
The education City Stadium has a focus on sustainability
Education City Stadium
Capacity: 45,350 Architects: Fenwick Iribarren Architects & Pattern Design Games: Six Group games and two knock-out games
The stadium is located within several university campuses at the Qatar Foundation’s Education City. The diamond-inspired venue – the façade of the Stadium is conceived as a shimmering diamond – is designed to host a vast range of sporting events.
More than half (55%) of the materials used on the project came from sustainable sources and 28% of construction materials have recycled contents. As a result, The project has been awarded five stars under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), making it one of the first stadiums in the world to achieve such recognition.
Lusail Stadium
Capacity: 80,000 Architects: Foster + Partners & Populous Games: Six group games and four knock-out games, including the fi nal
The 2022 World Cup’s biggest stadium – with a capacity of more than 80,000 – is considered the tournament’s main venue. The stadium’s design is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that characterises the ‘fanar’ lantern.
Lusail’s shape and facade echo the intricate decorative motifs on bowls and other vessels characteristic of the golden age of art and craftsmanship in the Arab and Islamic world.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) protects the stadium from warm wind, keeps out dust and allows in enough light for the pitch to grow while providing shade to reduce the burden on the stadium’s air conditioning.
Lusail is one of the few stadiums that will not be down-scaled or repurposed after the tournament.
The design of the stadium balances the need for sunlight to grow the grass with a need to provide shade for spectators
Khalifa is the only stadium to have previously hosted major events
Al Thumama Stadium
The design of the stadium represents the gahfiya – a traditional woven cap worn by men and boys across the Middle East. In legacy mode, the capacity of the venue will be reduced to 20,000 and it will be used for football and other sports. It will also house a number of commercial operations, from a sports clinic to a boutique hotel. The precinct surrounding the stadium will become a community hub with facilities for multiple sports.
Khalifa International Stadium
First built in 1976, Khalifa International Stadium has previously hosted the Asian Games, Arabian Gulf Cup and AFC Asian Cup. In 2019, it hosted the IAAF World Athletics Championships.
The stadium lies in the heart of Aspire Zone – Qatar’s centre of sporting excellence which was the foundation of the 2006 Asian Games. For the World Cup, the stadium received a major facelift and upgrade – including an entirely new tier of seating, which has increased capacity by 10,450.
The venue is located at the heart of Aspire Zone
© FIFA
Al Bayt Stadium
Capacity: 60,000 Architects: Dar Al-Handasah Games: Six group games (including opening match) and three knock-out games
The stadium takes its name from ‘bayt al sha’ar’ – which were tents historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and the Gulf region. The design honours Qatar’s past and present, while keeping one eye on the future of the community. The stadium’s upper tier of seating will be disassembled following the World Cup and donated to developing countries in need of sports infrastructure.
The venue is situated in the Al Bayt Park, which boasts vast green spaces with play areas and exercise stations, along with tracks for running, cycling, horse riding and camel riding.
Al Bayt has been designed to look like a traditional nomadic tent
Al Janoub Stadium
Capacity: 40,000 Architects: AECOM and Zaha Hadid Architects. Games: six group-stage matches, one Round-of-16 match
Located in the southern city of Al Wakrah, Al Janoub’s design is inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats, in tribute to Al Wakrah’s seafaring past. An innovative cooling system and retractable roof mean the stadium will be used all year round.
After the tournament, Al Janoub’s capacity will be reduced, with seats donated to other sporting projects around the world. The surrounding Al Janoub Park features cycling and running tracks, children’s play areas and other green spaces. Eventually, there will be a marketplace and community facilities, including a mosque and school.
Ahmad bin Ali features a glowing facade The capacity of Al Janoub will be reduced following the tournament
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Capacity: 44,740 Architects: Pattern Design Games: Six group games and one knock-out game
The venue is located in Umm Al Afaei – one of Qatar’s most historic cities. In addition to the artificial cooled pitch, one of the stadium’s most striking features is a glowing facade, comprised of patterns that are meant to characterise different aspects of the country – international trade, the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, and the native flora and fauna.
More than 80% of the construction material came from the original stadium that previously occupied the site, while existing trees were also carefully retained. As with the Al Bayt stadium, the modular upper tier will be removed after the tournament, with the seats being re-purposed into sporting facilities in Qatar and overseas.
