Saudi Arabia Unveils 2034 FIFA World Cup Stadium
Saudi Arabia is no stranger to ambitious architectural projects, and as part of their 2034 FIFA world Cup bid they plan on creating 11 new stadiums designed by Populous (who created Las Vegas’ Sphere venue). Each will seat 92,000 spectators.
King Salman Stadium
Saudi Arabia is no stranger to ambitious architectural projects, and their bid for 2034 FIFA world cup bid will follow this tradition. Designed by US firm Populous, King Salman Stadium will not simply serve as a football stadium – there will also be commercial areas and sporting facilities catering for every aspect of community life.
The New Murabba Stadium’s design draws its inspiration from the layers, overlapping planes, peeling planar texture of native acacia trees found near Riyadh. The stadium bowl is topped by a delicate lattice-like ‘crystalline’ structure which sparkles at night to encourage exploration of and play within this facility. Furthermore, sustainability features prominently throughout with green walls and roofs integrated throughout its grounds.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium
Populous’ design for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 FIFA world cup bid submission showcased principles of “culturally contextualized modernism,” or the architecture style typically employed within Saudi Arabia. Inspired by such principles, this stadium will be built as part of Neom’s still under-construction linear city which can only be accessed using driverless vehicles and high-speed lifts.
The King Fahd Sports City Stadium will offer fans a truly remarkable experience, featuring an elevated pitch 350 meters above ground and an “urban-based roof,” according to its bid book. In addition, this facility will boast rooftop walking paths, lounges and tiered seating areas reserved exclusively for VIPs and VVIPs.
King Abdulaziz Park Stadium
Saudi Arabia’s national pastime has long been building grand architectural feats – and these projects look set to make another dramatic appearance with their bid for hosting the 2034 FIFA world cup. At the forefront of new venues will be Riyadh’s The Line skyscrapers featuring stadiums designed with breathtaking city vistas and roofs constructed “from city itself.”
Populous’ design draws its inspiration from the mountainous terrain in Morocco to seamlessly merge with King Abdulaziz Park through a valley running through its stadium garden and green spaces. Additionally, there will be lounges, hospitality skyboxes, Royal Box seating areas, as well as rooftop walking paths that provide expansive views of its surroundings.
Aramco Stadium
Populous is responsible for designing two of Saudi Arabia’s 15 stadiums that make up their 2034 FIFA World Cup bid bid, including Aramco Stadium. They also designed King Fahd Sports City Stadium (renovated), Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya (with technology-enhanced multipurpose venue capabilities), and Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – which features technology-integrated multiuse venues – among others.
Aramco Stadium’s design is inspired by its coastal setting on the Arabian Gulf, employing spiral and fluid motifs on its exterior while featuring translucent sails overlapping across its facade. Inside is organized into spectator spaces, hospitality areas and public zones arranged into a continuum – the stadium serving as the centerpiece of an athletics district that includes community facilities as well as an active football pitch.
NEOM Stadium
Saudi Arabia has committed to building fifteen stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup as part of their Vision 2030 plan, in an attempt to diversify their economy away from oil revenues and relying solely on revenue generated through oil sales. One such stadium is NEOM Stadium.
Populous has designed the stadium to become an integral part of city life, its glowing crystalline structure illuminating at night. Their design draws its inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s landscape which is currently experiencing rapid development.
Neom The Line’s stadium will be one of the world’s most distinctive. Boasting an extraordinary pitch elevation over 350 meters above ground and an intriguing roof constructed out of city materials itself.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium
The 2034 FIFA world Cup will be staged across 15 stadiums throughout Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh hosting both opening and final matches. These modern yet traditional stadiums designed by architect firm Populous feature unique blends of traditional and contemporary elements to provide an unforgettable experience for spectators.
Located at the center of The Line skyscrapers, NEOM Stadium will boast 46,000 seats with an elegant roof structure inspired by layers and textures found in local acacia trees. Furthermore, its exquisite design will feature views of both surrounding cities as well as nearby mountain peaks.
This three-sided stadium, located southwest of Riyadh, will draw spectators in with stunning views of Tuwaiq cliffs. Designed by Populous, this stadium will utilize locally sourced materials and energy-saving systems during construction.