Khalifa International Stadium In Qatar: A World Cup Venue To Watch Out For?

As the FIFA World Cup edges closer, Qatar is preparing for what promises to be a grand spectacle of football. A staggering $200 billion USD is being spent on infrastructure projects ahead of the event which includes the construction of seven new stadiums alongside many roads and highways. Speaking of stadiums, the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar is one of the finest venues for the upcoming world cup and has been a prominent attraction for sporting fans in the country for quite some time now.

With world-class facilities and seating arrangement, this is a venue that is set to surprise fans during the upcoming FIFA event in the country. So, here’s what you need to know about the iconic Khalifa International Stadium in the country.

The Khalifa Stadium Qatar: The Most Historic Venue In The Country?

Now here’s an interesting fact, the Khalifa Stadium is not only a crucial venue for the upcoming world cup but also carries a vast history behind it. Nestled in Al Rayyan and built in 1976, the stadium has proved to be a cornerstone in the sporting culture of Qatar and has hosted many major events in the past. In fact, as the natives themselves put it, the stadium has given a massive boost to the hopes of the people who dream of a promising sporting future of the country.  

As for the events that the venue has hosted, the Khalifa International Stadium Qatar has a vast history of it, more than any other venue in the country. Here's what you need to know about it.

• The Khalifa International Stadium has previously hosted the AFC Asian Cup final in 2011 in which Japan emerged victorious, defeating Australia by one goal to nil in extra time.
• There have been a number of international friendlies that have taken place at the Khalifa Stadium Doha, most notably the one between England and Brazil.
• The stadium has already hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and the IAAF World Athletics Championships.
• Interestingly, the most notable moment of its history to date came in May 2017 when it hosted the final of the Emir Cup and a couple of FIFA Club World Cup matches later on.  

Suggested Read: A Take On The Stadiums Set for The FIFA 2022 World Cup

The Design & Details Of The Khalifa International Stadium Doha

Set to host some crucial encounters during the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the country, the Khalifa Stadium would have a maximum seating capacity of 48,000 set for the world cup. Although its original seating capacity is 40,000, the decision to upgrade the seating has been taken in accordance with the FIFA protocols of minimum seating capacity for the world cup.

Interestingly, the stadium is located at the center of all other world cup venues and is set to play a major role in making the 2022 FIFA World Cup one of the most commutable world cups ever. As for its design, the Doha Khalifa Stadium features two dual arches that are a notable highlight and a wide canopy that stretches below them. These canopies help complement the cooling systems of the stadium while also providing an attractive look to it. The best part? There is a new facade that has been added to the stadium while the LED pitch lighting and digital floodlights bring a whole new dimension to the arena, attracting both sporting and non-sporting fans from around the world.

Points Worth Noting About The Sustainability Of Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar

If there’s one thing that Qatar has laid utmost emphasis on during the construction of the new stadiums, it is sustainability. Like the rest of the venues, the Khalifa International Stadium too has been constructed with additional care towards sustainability. Everything about the stadium is aimed at minimizing the environmental impact. In fact, the Khalifa International Stadium has received the Global Sustainability Assessment System certification for its efforts in minimizing the environmental impact. So, here’s what you need to know about the sustainability factor of the venue.

• During the FIFA World Cup, the tournament's carbon footprint would be minimized as the fans would travel to the venue via bus or the dedicated sports city metro station in the area. Since the fans won’t be driving their own vehicle to reach the stadium, the environmental impact of the venue would be significantly countered.
• Now here’s a thing, Qatar faces an environmental challenge due to the extensive heat in the region. Hence, in order to counter the environmental challenge posed in front of the Khalifa Qatar International Stadium, a new canopy has been set up which, while supplementing the cooling systems of the stadium, would also maintain comfortable temperatures for the fans inside the venue.
• One of the most notable points as far as the factor of sustainability is concerned, energy-saving lighting and bathroom fittings have been set up at the stadium would further enhance the efforts in minimizing the environmental impact.

The Legacy Of The Aspire Zone Project & The Khalifa Stadium Qatar

Much like the other venues for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the Khalifa International Stadium would be one of the finest places to visit in Doha while being a part of the lasting legacy of Qatar. Here’s what you need to know about it.

• Being part of the Aspire Zone Project, the Khalifa Stadium is in line with the National Vision of Qatar 2030 and will play a pivotal role in driving the involvement in sports and healthy lifestyle.
• Facilities like the Hamad Aquatic Centre, Aspire Park and specialist women's sports centers are all part of the different facilities for the people at the Aspire Zone.
• Another vital part of the Aspire Zone would be the Aspire Academy, a state of the art education and training center that would attract athletes from around the world. In fact, there are promising prospects about the Aspire Academy as it will attract talent from around the country, out of whom, some may well grace the pitch during the FIFA World Cup 2022.  

The Timeline Of The Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar

From the the grand Gulf Cup venue to the ultramodern stadium for the upcoming FIFA event, here’s what you need to know about the timeline of the Khalifa International Stadium.

• A stadium that is set to surprise worldwide fans on their Doha vacation during the world cup, Khalifa International was first constructed for the 1976 Gulf Cup.
• In 1992, Qatar lifted its first-ever Arabian Gulf Cup trophy at this very venue.
• The stadium hosted the 2006 Asian Games. In fact, it was the first time when all 45 members of the Olympic Council of Asia participated in the games.
• The 22nd Gulf Cup in Riyadh in November 2014 saw the launch of the new design for the Khalifa Stadium Qatar.
• The renovation of the stadium first began in the summer of 2014 when a team of expert workers came together to remake history.
• The outer facade of the stadium was completely replaced by the older one.  

One of the finest stadiums to be built in the country, the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar has already hosted a number of prestigious events and is set to do so again as it gears up to host matches for the FIFA World Cup. Words will fall short to describe the atmosphere when over 50,000 fans enter the arena and cheer for their favorite side during the world cup. Being a part of the highly anticipated Aspire Zone in the country, the stadium will not only attract thousands of fans and athletes but would also drive the talent from around the country to take the center stage. So, haven’t you planned your FIFA World Cup 2022 trip to Qatar yet? Book your round-trip Qatar Flights and come witness the grand spectacle in Al Rayyan this 2022.

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