Stadium 974
Doha: On November 20, the innovative Stadium 974 was officially unveiled during a digital launch. It will host its first match today when the United Arab Emirates and Syria go head-to-head on the opening day of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021.
Stadium 974 is the seventh tournament-ready venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali, Al Thumama and Al Bayt.
The 40,000-capacity venue is the first fully demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup history. The stadium has been constructed using shipping containers and modular steel elements which reflect Qatar’s maritime history.
Stadium 974 will host six matches during the FIFA Arab Cup, including the third-place play-off on December 18, and seven matches up to the round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022.
The stadium was named after the number of shipping containers used in its development. 974 is also Qatar’s international dialling code. The name also reflects the stadium’s strategic position as the gateway to Qatar as it is close to Hamad International Airport, Doha Airport and Doha Port.
Construction began in 2018 on a site formerly owned by QatarEnergy. The location and pioneering design meant construction waste was kept to a minimum. It also shortened the project’s duration and cost when compared to similar developments.
Ahead of today's opener, Engineer Mohammed Al Mulla, Precinct Director of Stadium 974 shed lights on what makes Stadium 974 so special.
"I think everything about the stadium demonstrates Qatar’s ability to deliver outstanding projects in terms of innovation and sustainability. It is a one-of-a-kind stadium and an innovative blueprint for future mega-event hosts. It is a great example of thinking outside the box. In 2022, fans will be amazed with the facilities here – especially the fact the concession stands, toilets and medical rooms are all shipping containers. Both visually and conceptually, it is fascinating,"Al Mulla said.
"974 is the number of shipping containers used in the development. It is also Qatar’s international dialling code. Furthermore, the stadium is situated near Doha Port, Hamad International Airport and Doha Airport. It will be the first stadium fans see when they arrive in Qatar. In more ways than one, it can be regarded as a gateway to the country,"Al Mulla said how they came up with the unique name.
He also said there were many challenges during the construction phase.
"There were many challenges! Probably the biggest challenge we faced was working out the best possible way to build the stadium. This was actually the last venue to begin construction – and this is because we conducted multiple studies," Al Mulla said.
"The stadium narrates the history of the area. This location was previously used by QatarEnergy – formerly known as Qatar Petroleum. The stadium faces Old Doha Port, which was the first commercial hub in the country. Just hearing ‘Old Port’ makes people locally think of shipping containers. The local area – Ras Abu Aboud – is also very strategic. It is close to the Doha Corniche and only 800 metres from the nearest metro station. The location also benefits from natural cooling due to the design and bowl structure," Al Mulla said.
Stadium 974
Built using modified shipping containers and modular steel elements, Stadium 974 is the first fully demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup history. The design is inspired by Doha’s character and history as a major port city on the Arabian Gulf. 974 is the number of shipping containers used in the development and also Qatar’s international dialling code.
Capacity: 40,000
Designer: Fenwick Iribarren Architects
Inauguration: The stadium was unveiled during a digital launch on November 20 and will hold its first match today when the United Arab Emirates play Syria in their opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup.
FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021: The stadium will host six matches, including the third-place play-off
Qatar 2022: 974 will stage seven matches up to the Round of 16 stage
