For more than two years now, motorists heading towards Al Wakrah from all directions must have wondered how fantastic the new World Cup stadium springing out of the desert would look when it’s finally ready for a grand debut.
They have seen the structure growing with each passing week in all its barren glory, initially, with concrete and steel gradually being manipulated into cohesive, magical curves that would catch everybody’s attention, eventually transporting them to the future, 2022 to be precise.
Which teams would be lucky enough to play there when Qatar hosts the Middle East and Arab world’s first ever FIFA World Cup? It’s a thought that must have definitely crossed their minds.
Well, the global sporting showpiece may be a little over three years away, but football fans can certainly get a feel of the futuristic stadium and soak in the atmosphere on the night of May 16 when it hosts what could be a pulsating Amir Cup final. It will be the second World Cup venue to be delivered – the first being the Khalifa International Stadium – and the excitement around its opening is clearly palpable in the football community in Qatar.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for delivering the infrastructure required for Qatar 2022, jointly announced that the 40,000-capacity venue would host the final at a press conference held at Al Bidda Tower.
“Football fans should come out in large numbers and watch the Amir Cup final at the futuristic Al Wakrah World Cup Stadium,” said Khalid Mubarak al-Kuwari, the Qatar Football Association’s Director of Marketing and Communications.
“We are honoured that one of Qatar’s World Cup venues will host this year’s Amir Cup final. The 2017 Amir Cup final at Khalifa International Stadium was a magnificent occasion and we are sure this year’s final will be just as memorable.”
Designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid the magnificent arena is a spectacular bridge between old and new, with a strong visual representation of Qatar’s drive to reach beyond its shores.
The distinctive form of Al Wakrah Stadium is something that spectators won’t easily forget. Its graceful lines and flowing curves are inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats weaving through the currents of the Gulf, reflecting the seafaring culture of the people of the area.
Al-Kuwari added: “All our top clubs will be desperate to make the final and be one of the first teams to play on Al Wakrah’s freshly laid turf. And we are sure fans of all teams will be excited to join us on this auspicious occasion.”
Prior to the match on May 16, a stadium inauguration ceremony will take place before the game kicks off at 10:30pm.
Tickets for this year’s final are already available to buy, either online at tickets.qfa.qa or from a host of outlets across the country, including Villagio Mall, Mall of Qatar, Doha Festival City, City Center, Souq Waqif and Ezdan Mall, Al Wakrah. Tickets are available in four categories and priced between QR20 and QR100 and will remain on sale until 15 May.
Al-Kuwari also announced that the Amir Cup Local Organising Committee will provide a number of activities to enrich the fan experience.
“Spectators of all ages will enjoy activations around the stadium’s precinct,” added al-Kuwari. “Additionally, we will give local businesses and restaurants the chance to showcase their products.”
Thani Khalifa al-Zarraa, the SC’s Al Wakrah Stadium Project Manager, described the upcoming inauguration as a “major milestone” as Qatar continues preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
“The launch of Al Wakrah Stadium is a significant step on the road to 2022,” said
al-Zarraa. “Its innovative and futuristic design means it is set to be one of the iconic venues during the first FIFA World Cup in the Arab world. We hope thousands of football fans across the country will join us for this landmark occasion as we celebrate the progress we have made to-date and look forward to 2022 with renewed excitement.”
Al-Zarraa added: “Al Wakrah Stadium will significantly boost the local community. During the design and execution phases, we met people from Al Wakrah in order to include their requirements in the project. We appreciate the contribution of everyone who took part in this project.” The stadium has a fully retractable roof, meaning it can be used all-year-round. It also features innovative cooling technology for the benefit of supporters and players. The technology is capable of cooling the spectator areas to 18°C and the field of play to 20°C.
Sports / Sport
Packed crowd expected on May 16 as Al Wakrah Stadium opens to public with Amir Cup final
Khalid Mubarak al-Kuwari, the Qatar Football Association’s Director of Marketing and Communications, speaks to the media yesterday. To his right is Thani Khalifa al-Zarraa, the SC’s Al Wakrah Stadium Project Manager.
