Qatar’s innovative Stadium 974 is to host its inaugural event next week after becoming the seventh of eight Qatar 2022 venues to be completed.
The 40,000-seat venue, made primarily from shipping containers, will host its first match on November 30 when the United Arab Emirates and Syria go head-to-head on the opening day of the FIFA Arab Cup. The nature of its design means it is the first fully demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup history, with its new name reflecting the number of shipping containers used in its development.
Stadium 974 – formerly known as Ras Abu Aboud, and located close to Doha Port – will host seven matches up to the round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022. During the FIFA Arab Cup, which will take place from November 30 to December 18, the stadium will host six matches, including the first semi-final and third-place play-off.
Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the SC, said: “We are very proud to announce the completion of Stadium 974. This is yet another milestone on the road to 2022 as we edge closer to hosting the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.
“We consider this innovative venue a game-changer for future mega-event hosts. It is another example of the powerful legacy our World Cup will leave.”
Qatar 2022 said that due to its innovative design, the Stadium 974 bowl avoids the need for air conditioning as it is naturally ventilated. Much of the stadium’s structure is made from recycled steel, while water efficiency methods ensure it will reduce water use by 40% compared to a conventional stadium development.
HBK Contracting acted as the main contractor, while TiME Qatar was the project manager.
Engineer Yasir Al Jamal, chairman of the SC’s operations office, said: “The striking Stadium 974 is a proud symbol of sustainability and innovation. The completion of this venue is yet another significant moment in our journey towards hosting the FIFA World Cup.
“We are in a very strong position in relation to all of our infrastructure projects and look forward to Stadium 974 hosting its first matches during the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup.”
Stadium 974 is the seventh tournament venue to be completed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and follows Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali, Al Bayt and Al Thumama in being declared ready to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2022, which will kick off on November 21 next year.
Lusail Stadium, the 80,000-capacity venue that will host the Qatar 2022 final, is set to soon become the final arena to open in the coming weeks. Organisers said main contractor works have been completed.
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