Stadium 974 – Qatar 2022
Stadium 974, formerly Ras Abu Aboud Stadium) is a football stadium in Ras Abu Aboud, Doha, Qatar. Opened 30 November 2021, it is a temporary venue that will host matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after which it will be deconstructed.
Stadium 974- History and description
Construction of the stadium started in 2018 and was completed three years later. The stadium officially opened on 30 November 2021 with the Arab Cup group match between United Arab Emirates and Syria (2-1).
The stadium is made of modular building blocks including shipping containers. After the World Cup, it will be entirely dismantled and repurposed.
During the World Cup, Stadium 974 will host 5 first round group matches and of round of 16 match.
It received its name from the fact that 974 is the international calling code of Qatar and as well as that 974 shipping containers were used in the design.
Stadium 974’s innovative design is inspired by Qatar’s worldwide trade and seafaring. 974 is the international dialling code for Qatar, as well as the exact number of shipping containers used in construction.
The innovative 40,000-seat venue has a remarkable design, and will be the first fully demountable tournament venue in FIFA World Cup™ history. This sets a new standard in sustainability and introduces bold new ideas in tournament legacy planning.
A legacy for the community
Located on the shores of the Gulf, located across the water from Doha’s dazzling West Bay skyline, Stadium 974 is a spectacular venue for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ matches. Following the tournament’s conclusion, the stadium will make way for a waterfront development for local people to enjoy.
A legacy for the world
As well as providing invaluable infrastructure to sporting projects far and wide, Stadium 974 also gives global stadium developers and tournament planners a fine example to follow.
The venue’s temporary nature and clever modular design mean that fewer building materials were required than in traditional stadium building, which helped to keep construction costs down.
And with other projects reusing the seats, roof and other components of the arena, parts of the venue will be utilised for years and even decades to come.
Stadium 974 Design
As football fans make their way to Stadium 974, enjoying stunning views of Doha’s skyscrapers from across the bay, they will marvel at a football stadium unlike any other.
This FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ venue is constructed using certified shipping containers and modular steel elements, echoing the nearby port and Doha’s long maritime history.
The result is a distinctive, boldly colourful and thoroughly modern arena that almost looks like it is made from building blocks.
Electric atmosphere
The design concept resulted in the swift, cost-efficient construction of a stunning arena, which has an elegant curved square form. The enclosed shape of the stadium ensures a memorable atmosphere – for fans and players alike – at vital FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ matches.
How to get to Stadium 974
Stadium 974 is located on the shore of the Gulf in the east of Doha near the Port and Hamad International Airport. It is the most centrally located stadium of the World Cup, a few kilometres away from the eastern end of the Corniche and less than two kilometres away from the National Museum of Qatar.
The stadium could be walked to from the eastern side of central Doha in 30 to 40 minutes though bear in mind that Doha is not a pedestrian-friendly city.
Metro station Ras Abu Aboud is closest to the stadium, about a kilometre away, or 15-minute walk. It is the last stop of the Gold line that runs through central Doha but also connects with the Red and Green lines.
Eat, drink, and sleep near Stadium 974
Stadium 974 is part of a new development that is being built on the shore of the Gulf, though the rest of the area is still very much a construction site.
There is currently not much around yet in terms of eating and drinking but this might change quickly once further parts of the development get completed.
If you wish to stay close to Stadium 974 and like a bit of luxury, Sharq Village & Spa is a perfect choice. It’s a 15-minute walk to the stadium.
There are furthermore a good few hotels in the area around the National Museum of Qatar, not too far from the stadium.
Stadium 974 Timeline
On 20 November 2021, a digital launch was held for Stadium 974 – ahead of the venue hosting its first six matches during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™.
The design of Stadium 974 was first revealed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects on 26 November 2017. The world was presented with the most innovative of the new FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ stadiums to be built, created using shipping containers that would also carry the additional materials for construction. 974 is the exact number of containers used in construction, and the international dialling code for Qatar – inspiring the venue’s name.
Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi said the groundbreaking project to build a ‘fully demountable’ venue would serve as a benchmark for stadiums throughout the world – and form another of the tournament’s lasting legacies.
On 28 May 2018 Qatari firm HBK Contracting was announced as the main contractor for Stadium 974.
Stadium 974’s excavations were completed by July 2019. This was also when the first batch of containers arrived on site, ready to be installed.
On 10 May 2020 the bulk of the remaining containers were delivered to the stadium site – taking the total to 923 out of the 974 required. The fabrication of steel for the structure was at 94% complete, and the development of the steel structure was 33% complete.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Stadium 974 in September 2021. He was able to see the pitch, which had been laid in April 2021, and other finishing touches – two months ahead of the stadium’s digital launch.
Why is it called 974 stadium?
The new name of stadium 974, previously known as Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, reflects the number of shipping containers used in its construction, and is the international calling code for Qatar.
Why is Stadium 974 in Qatar?
Stadium 974 was constructed out of 974 shipping containers, the number is incidentally Qatar’s international dialling code. The idea is to remind the world of the Qatar Government’s commitment to always have sustainability in mind when considering major projects.
Who designed 974 stadium?
As & P – Albert Speer & Partner GmbhStadium ,974 / Architecture firm
Which is the most beautiful stadium in Qatar?
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
The stadium’s most striking feature is a glowing façade, comprised of patterns that characterise different aspects of the country: the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and international trade.
Which stadium made from shipping containers in Qatar?
Stadium 974 , previously known as Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, has finished ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The arena is located in Doha, Qatar, and is made of shipping containers and modular, structural steel.
What is the oldest stadium in Qatar?
the Khalifa InternationalOfficially reopened in 2017 after extensive redevelopment, the Khalifa International (or National) Stadium, originally opened its doors in 1976, making it the oldest stadium in Qatar and the first 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournament venue.
How hot will it be in Qatar for the World Cup?
Average temperatures in the region will still be around 75 F (24 C) when the action begins, with the tournament hosts having had to make significant adjustments to accommodate a competition that will see players and fans travel from all corners of the globe.
Why is World Cup not in summer?
The 2022 World Cup is taking place in Qatar in the winter months rather than the usual summer ones, due to the heat.