Qatar: Stadium 974

Stadium 974, the First Temporary Stadium

After Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, they began constructing the eight stadium. It will be used during the event along with other infrastructures essential for the successful conduct. One of the eight stadium especially built for the Qatar 2022 World Cup is Stadium 974. The stadium has a capacity of 40, 000 seats and the best place to see Doha’s skyline view.

Stadium 974 was formerly called the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. It was later renamed to Stadium 974 paying homage to Qatar’s International Dialing Code which is +974. It is also the same number of recycled shipping containers used to build the stadium. Among the eight stadiums, Stadium 974 has the most strategic location. It is near Doha’s airport, the Hamad International airport, and the Doha port.

One of the most exciting features of this stadium designed by the Fenwick Iribarren Architects, is its breath taking view. Built near Doha’s shoreline, Stadium 974 has the best view of the city’s skyline and does not require the advanced technology cooling system compared to the other seven stadium because the breeze coming from the sea helps regulate the temperature inside the stadium.

The stadium was inaugurated in November 30, 2021. Its first event was the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup between United Arab Emirates and Syria. The stadium hosted five matches for the tournament. Stadium 974 will be hosting seven matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Check the official schedule of the tournament at FIFA World Cup 2022.

Stadium 974 Matches & Teams Playing

• Group C: Mexico vs. Poland on November 22, 2022
• Group H: Portugal vs. Ghana on November 24, 2022
• Group D: France vs. Denmark on November 26, 2022
• Group G: Brazil vs. Switzerland on November 28, 2022
• Group C: Argentina vs. Poland on November 30, 2022
• Group G: Serbia vs. Switzerland on December 02, 2022
• Round of 16: Winners Group G vs. Runners-up Group H on December 05, 2022

The 8 FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums

Stadium 974’s Sustainable Design

Stadium 974 is the first ever demountable stadium in the whole world. Since all the stadiums are representing the different Arab heritages, Stadium 974 is representing Qatar’s identity known to the whole world, their international dialing code. Aside from that, 974 also represents the strategic location of the stadium which is close to the Hamad International Airport, Doha Airport, and Doha Port.

Developed on a historical 450, 000 square meter waterfront plot, the stadium has the best view of Doha’s skyline. It was built using modular steel elements and standardized certified shipping containers. The playful and bold colors of the containers resulted to a modern and distinctive arena. A concept design by Fenwick Iribarren Architects.

The smart modular design has helped minimize the construction cost since there are fewer materials needed compared to the traditional stadiums. In addition, its location has helped the ventilation of the stadium. It is the only stadium among the eight that do not need the advanced cooling tech used in the other stadiums. The breeze from the sea gives the stadium a natural cooling system.

The stadium was built through a rectangular plan with rounded edges. It looks like a building made of giant Lego bricks with various colors. An effect achieved through the modular steel elements and containers which served as back-up facilities of the stadium. It is mainly a contribution to Doha’s nearby port and maritime traditions.

It is separated into two levels through a strip of boxes. The top tier level has a view of West Bay and the skyscrapers. Due to this innovative and sustainable design, it has been given a four-star rating by the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS).

The Stadium 974 Construction & Issues

The environmental preparation for the construction started in mid-October 2017. All the ground works were completed in July 2019. The first batch of containers arrived and was ready for installation. Its main construction started in 2019 and proceeded without major disruptions. All applied engineering solutions has made the construction faster and was finished earlier than planned.

The HBK Contracting Company (HBK), DCB-QA, Time Qatar, Fenwick Iribarren Architects (FI-A), Schlaich Bergermann Partner, and Hilson Maron partnered for the construction of the stadium. Although it was smooth sailing at the beginning, HBK faced a major problem because of the high standards of Qatar’s local civil Defense along with complicated design the stadium had.

Through all of the extensive knowledge they gathered through their partnerships, they have overcome the issue and has passed the inspection process conducted. However, despite all the great minds gathered to build the stadium, there were still issues surrounding the construction. These issues include the 6,500 deaths of immigrant workers in Qatar who were said to be caused by the fast-paced construction of the facilities needed for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The greenhouse gas emission off of this first ever demountable World Cup stadium was also analyzed. It was said that they have more carbon emissions because of the use of carbon-intensive materials to ensure the durability of the stadium. Still, they were awarded a four-star rating by GSAS.

Stadium 974 Plans After Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022

Stadium 974 is the first ever demountable stadium in the history if FIFA World Cup. According to the plans, the stadium’s roof and seats will be dismantled and will be donated to stadiums constructed for 2030. They country’s where it will be transported to is Maldonaldo, Uruguay if they successfully wins for the bid of the next FIFA World Cup.