Qatar’s Stadium 974 has been officially unveiled and is expected to host its first match on 30th November, when the UAE and Syria are likely to face each other on the opening day of FIFA Arab Cup.
Stadium 974 is the seventh stadium to be completed by the SC (Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy), and this follows Khalifa International, Ahmad bin Ali, Al Janoub, Education City, Al Bayt and Al Thumama who have been declared as ready to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2022, which is expected to begin on 21st November next year.
Earlier named ‘Ras Abu Aboud’, the venue is primarily made of shipping containers and is located close to Doha Port, directly opposite the West Bay skyline. The innovative design is the first fully demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup history.
Stadium 974 will host seven matches until round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022. During the FIFA Arab Cup, to be held between 30th November and 18th December, the 40,000 capacity stadium will host six matches, including the first semi-final and third-place play-off.
Located 800m from Ras Bu Abboud station along the Gold Line of the Doha Metro, the stadium is named after the number of shipping containers that were used in its development, and it is also Qatar’s international dialling code. The name also indicates the stadium’s location as the gateway to Qatar, as it is close to Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, and Doha Airport.
According to HE Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of SC, the completion of this stadium is another milestone on the road to 2022, as Qatar moves closer towards hosting the first FIFA World Cup in the region and Arab World.
Al Thawadi added, “We consider this innovative venue a game-changer for future mega-event hosts. It is another example of the powerful legacy our World Cup will leave.”
Given its innovative design, the Stadium 974 does not require air conditioning as it is naturally ventilated. Its structure is made of recycled steel, and its water efficiency methods ensure that it will reduce water use by 40 percent in comparison to conventional stadium development.