Al Bayt Stadium Venue For 2022 World Cup Semi Final

24th June 2014

Initial designs have been revealed for the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor district, Qatar.

stadium is set to host one of the two semi-finals during the FIFA World Cup in 2022 - if the gulf state keeps its right to host the tournament following investigations into corruption.

work has already begun on the site of the stadium and construction is set to be completed by 2018.

The design of the stadium - created by a team of Qatari architects - has been modelled after Bayt Al Sha'ar, a traditional tent used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and neighbouring countries.

Similar to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, the structure will have an upper layer of removable seats that will be taken away after the World Cup in 2022, reducing the capacity of the stadium to 32,000 seats in legacy mode.

According to the Supreme Council for Delivery and Legacy (the organising committee for the 2022 World Cup), the removable top tier and its modular parts will be donated and used to build stadiums in countries around the world that "lack adequate sporting infrastructure".

The facility will also take up ethical building techniques, complying with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) ratings, using renewable energy methods for the stadium itself as well as the surrounding area.

Surrounding the stadium, a new mixed-use precinct with retail, hospitality and leisure will serve the wider Al Khor community.

• The unveiling of Al Bayt Stadium and design was marked by an event for the local community which focused on the future vision of Al Khor and the neighbouring communities.

Two majlises (council meetings) were held at the Al Thakhira Youth Club where local residents discussed and debated the future vision for Al Khor with representatives from the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and other local organisations.

Each majlis featured members of the Al Khor community discussing their ideas and sharing their knowledge with those in attendance.

Source: leisureopportunities.co.uk