If you’re in search for one of the most jaw dropping stadiums ever constructed, look no further. Let’s get to know Al Bayt Stadium – 10 Fun Facts in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Tent Stadium
10 Fun Facts
- Construction of the stadium began in 2015 with 2,700 construction workers credited with building it.
- Will host the opening match with a 60,000 seat capacity. Other matches include a round of 16, quarterfinal, and semi final.
- The unique stadium design is inspired by the bedouin tent or bayt al sha’ar. “Desert Dwellers” or nomadic Arab tribes are considered to be Bedouins and originated from the Arabian Peninsula.
- Sits in the northern city of Al Khor roughly 21 miles outside of Doha.
- The stadium is portable (like a Bedouin tent) and will be taken down following the World Cup.
- The stadium is built in Al Bayt Park – the size of roughly 30 football fields. The park has playing courts, exercise equipment and running/cycling tracks.
- Not only does the stadium resemble a tent, but the roof is retractable and can open/close in 20 minutes.
- No metro lines go to the city of Al Khor. Fans will have to bus in for the matches from Doha.
- A luxury hotel is planned to replace the upper tier of the stadium once the seats are removed and donated.
- The city of Al Khor has a rich history of pearl diving and fishing.
