The upcoming Asian Cup in Qatar will be held across nine stadiums, including seven used for last year’s World Cup. Hassan Al Kuwari, the committee’s marketing and communications executive director, said the tournament would generate “tremendous interest.” The competition runs from January 12 to February 20, with the opening game and final set to be played at Lusail Stadium – an 88,966-seat venue that hosted the World Cup final. The 24 participating teams will be split into six groups.
Earlier this month, contractors working on one of the dazzling new stadiums – Stadium 974 and, located in Doha – walked us through the construction process. Men from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh were carefully cementing square vents beneath each seat in the blazing heat and bright glare. They ensured the arena met Fifa’s highest specifications and that it was ready to welcome fans in just over four years.
While many of the stadiums built specifically for the tournament are eye-catching in their own right, the unique design of Stadium 974 has everyone talking. The innovative structure is the first fully dismountable tournament venue in history and can be transported to another site if needed. It’s a truly incredible piece of architecture that has captured the imagination of football fans across the globe.
Al Rayyan Stadium is also a striking venue with its unique ring-shaped design and distinctive façade that showcases aspects of local culture and traditions. The stadium’s exterior features elements that represent the undulations of the dunes, native flora, and fauna, as well as the importance of family values in Qatari society. It is the future home of Al Rayyan SC and will be an impressive addition to the country’s sports landscape when it finishes in 2023.
The Al Janoub Stadium is another stunning stadium that will draw the global public’s attention when it hosts Asian Cup matches in Qatar. Its unique ring-shaped design represents the traditional ‘gahfiya’ head cap worn by boys and men in Qatar and throughout the Arab world as a symbol of dignity and pride. The stadium also has a unique cooling feature that will help to combat the country’s hot and dry desert climate.
The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium and Al Thumama Stadium will also be used to host games during the Asian Cup and will have similar cooling systems. All the venues have been designed to have a long-term legacy after the tournament and will continue to be used for large-scale sporting events.
