The Al-Khalifa International – an icon among Qatar's 2022 World Cup venues
El histórico y remodelado recinto perteneciente a la zona Aspire jugará un papel fundamental en el torneo y es una de las perlas de la sociedad qatarí.
Inaugurated in 1976, the Al-Khalifa International is one of the oldest stadiums in the country and hold a special significance in Qatari sport – but not only for the many major sporting events it has staged, such as the Asian Games, the Arabian Gulf Cup, AFC Asian Cup and the 2019 Club World Cup.
It is also included in the Aspire Zone, one of the offshoots of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, (the body which is responsible for managing projects relating to the next World Cup) which supervised the stadium’s redevelopment. The Al-Khalifa International was the first of the eight 2022 World Cup stadiums to be declared ready for the tournament in 2017. For all of the above reasons, the Al-Khalifa International is an iconic venue, and that was underlined when it held the 46th edition of the Eimar of Qatar Cup final between Al-Sadd and Al-Rayyan - its inaugural match.
A World Cup-standard stadium with the capacity to hold 40,000 spectators, the Al-Khalifa International first opened in 1976 and since then it has been the centerpiece of many of the major sporting events that have been celebrated in Qatar. That is why the venue deserved to be converted into the flagship sporting arena in the Middle East and an symbol of excellence in its sector.
The renovation project included placing a new, arched structure to support a cantilevered roof as well as other features designed to accommodate and bring comfort to fans from all over the world. An innovative cooling system and air corridors installed within the sides of the stadium ensure that spectators will be able to enjoy watching the action out on the pitch in a cool and pleasant climate.
A key, central role at 2022 World Cup
Considering the locations of each of the World Cup stadiums, Al-Khalifa International is the most centrally-located which is another reason why it will play a key role in making 2022 Qatar a success. The natural surroundings, park areas and modern transport links make it accessible and an enjoyable environment with every available amenity on hand.
And with the continued development of the Aspire Zone – a centre of sporting excellence, in close proximity to the stadium, the Al-Khalifa International has gained another plus factor. This will be where the next generations of Qatar’s emerging talents will receive their formation, and close by, the famous Aspetar hospital – a world leader in specialised orthopedic research and sports medicine.
The Al-Khalifa International, along with the sporting installations in the surrounding area, exemplifies unlimited ambition and the desire to reach world class standards through sporting creativity, technology and concepts crystalised at Aspire with the aim of changing sport and the lives of individuals for the better.