Doha: Stadium 974 is an architectural and engineering masterpiece that is the first of its kind in the realm of football, presented by the State of Qatar to the world and football fans in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. It is the first fully-demountable covered football stadium.
What distinguishes this stadium is the fact that it is the first in the world that can be fully dismantled and re-purposed post-event, as neither FIFA nor the Guinness World Records recorded a World Cup stadium with a temporary structure that can be dismantled.
Additionally, Stadium 974 stands out for being the first stadium to bear a number instead of a name, as no stadium that hosted any of the 21 World Cup tournaments has ever carried a number, rather they all bore names.
The stadium was initially called Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, but its name was later changed for two reasons: first, 974 is the international dialling code for the State of Qatar. Second, the number refers to the number of containers used in the construction of the stadium.
Stadium 974 is the nearest stadium in the history of World Cup to the arrival airport, as it is a few minutes away from Hamad International Airport and Doha Port, providing an easy access for those who want to attend a World Cup match in a unique stadium.
Moreover, it is the first stadium to be installed from 974 shipping containers, in an engineering symbolism to the stadium’s name and its design, as well as the possibility of completely dismantling it in a sustainable and environmental-friendly manner. This stadium serves as a milestone in the world of stadium design, in a genius symbolism that indicates the extent to which Qatar is capable both to innovate and dazzle.
The stadium has a splendid view of the shores of the Arabian Gulf and the breathtaking view of the skyscrapers in West Bay in Doha. Stadium 974 is easily accessible by metro, with the Doha Metro Gold Line being 800 meters away, in addition to the ease of getting there via car or World Cup shuttle buses.
The stadium has a capacity of 40,000 seats and was designed in an easy to navigate way for fans to enter and exit the stadium without complications. Also, the internal facilities show unique colors that set facilities apart from the country flag colors of the various teams that will play in the stadium.
The stadium has been equipped with the latest technologies and fixed platforms for broadcast and photo cameras, suiting whoever frequents the stadium whether from the media or fans, which makes it a unique facility that will be firmly established in the minds of the World Cup audiences.
Stadium 974 has received a sustainability certificate from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) with a five star rating in design and construction, and in the category of excellence in construction management, granted by the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD), in recognition of its commitment to the standards of Sustainability during the design and construction phases and is an eco-friendly playground.
Stadium 974 bears witness to Qatar’s commitment to effective sustainability, through ensuring that the tournaments legacy will last for generations to come.
As after the end of the tournament, the stadium will be completely dismantled, including its shipping containers, seats and all facility parts, to be then given away in support of countries that do not have stadium infrastructure. This act of support was a commitment Qatar made in its world cup hosting bid.
The stadium will host 7 matches in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, starting from the group stage all the way until the round of 16.
The stadium is distinguished by its recycled steel structure, which in turn reduced the amount of waste resulting from the manufacture of components used in construction, in addition to reducing waste at the construction site, while advanced equipment ensures saving water consumption, using the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) approved by FIFA, in order to ensure that the tournament's infrastructure meets a set of stringent environmental standards.
Stadium 974 hosted important matches in the Arab FIFA Cup Qatar 2021, during which fans found the stadium eye-catching and dazzling, to the point that they forgot about the match itself and instead focused and talked about the dazzling stadium. Stadium 974s unique and creative design complimented the creativity and impressive performance of footballers in the tournament.
The stadium underwent a sort of rehearsal during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, receiving the fans greatest admiration leading them to cheer their teams so vividly, something that will reoccur in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, only that this time it will be on a global level.
Source: QNA
