We are continuing our FIFA 2022 coverage on the blog with a series featuring all 8 stadiums that will be used during the World Cup, and other updates regarding one of the highly anticipated happenings in Qatar this year.
Let’s get to know these venues one by one with tidbits of information gathered from different sources and publications. We hope that these information will not only help residents of Qatar to be more familiar but also for fans planning to visit Qatar to watch the games.
First up, let’s have the first stadium to greet the world come November 21, 2022. AL BAYT STADIUM in Alkhor will be hosting the opening matches for the FIFA 2022. And having sucessfully hosted FIFA Arab last year (30 November – 18 December 2021), Al Bayt stadium is more than ready to rock the world with world-class staging of FIFA 2022.
Quick Information about AL BAYT STADIUM:
| Location (click here): | Al Khor, 50km north of Doha |
| Gross capacity: | 60,000 |
| Start of Construction: Date Opened: | November 2015 30 November 2021 (FIFA Arab Cup) |
| Matches planned: | Opening game and all matches through to the semi-finals |
What is the Architectural Inspiration of Al Bayt Stadium?
| Shape: | Giant tent structure covering the whole stadium that is named after bayt al sha’ar – tents historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and the Gulf region. |
| Special Features: | A retractable roof and state-of-the-art cooling technology. There are 96 VIP suites complete with bed, desk, and table – circling the entire pitch where guests can walk onto their balcony and be in the stand. |
| Contractors: | Salini Impregilo, Galfar, Cimolai |
| Estimated Cost (in EURO): | € 770 mln |
How to get to Al Bayt Stadium?
Doha Metro –The nearest station is Lusail (Red line) where shuttle services to/ from the stadium will be in operation.
Taxi drop-off/ pick up –Karwa, Uber and Careem drop–off/ pick up facilities are located to the east of the stadium.
Car Parking (General admission fans) –Four car parks are located near the stadium.
What are the Hotels and Leisure areas near Al Bayt Stadium?
| Hotels: | Simaisma A Murwab Resort Al Sultan Beach Resort |
| Malls: | Al Khor Mall |
| Hospital/Clinic: | Al Khor Hospital – Hamad Medical Corporation Aster Qatar Raha Medical Center |
| Other Tourist Spots: | Al Khor Corniche The Purple Island Al Thakira |
What are the plans for Al Bayt Stadium after FIFA 2022?
After the tournament, the upper part of the stadium will be dissembled and the removed seats will be donated to other countries. It will then be converted into a 5-star hotel.
A host of facilities, including retail and entertainment venues – as well as an additional branch of the world-leading sports medicine clinic Aspetar – will be incorporated into the venue in legacy mode.
Sustainability has also driven the design of the area around Al Bayt Stadium. Parks and greenery form an integral part of the surrounding precinct’s design plan, creating a green lung for Al Khor and providing local families with invaluable outdoor space to enjoy. https://www.qatar2022.qa/en/stadiums/al-bayt-stadium
Sources:
- https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/article/world-cup-stadiums
- https://www.qatar2022.qa/en/stadiums/al-bayt-stadium/legacy
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9966978/qatar-world-cup-stadium-hotel-suite-pitch-balcony/
- https://www.qatar2022.qa/en/transport/getting-to-stadiums
