The stadium is planned to be located atop a 200-metre high cliff in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City
The Board of Directors of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has unveiled the design for a new multi-use stadium in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia.
US-based global architectural design company Populous have designed the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium.
The stadium is planned to be located atop a 200-metre high cliff in the emerging entertainment destination
Set to open in 2025, the 45,000 seat stadium will be the first to incorporate a fully retractable roof, pitch and LED screen.
This will allow the space to transform for different events like football, concerts and esports within hours, Populous revealed in a statement, adding that the LED wall will show broadcasts, films and laser shows to visitors when activated. It will offer views of Qiddiya City when not in use.
“Our ambition is for Qiddiya City to become a global destination for entertainment, sports and culture and this iconic new stadium will be at its very heart,” Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of QIC said.
“The level of embedded technology will enable both incredible gaming and entertainment experiences and a new way for fans to watch and enjoy football itself,” Chris Lee, Managing Director of Populous EMEA added.
As well as hosting Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, the stadium hopes to stage matches during Saudi Arabia’s 2034 FIFA World Cup bid and events like the Asian Cup.
Its location in an entertainment district means visitors can also access shops, hotels and an nearby esports arena designed by Populous.
The venue aims to become carbon neutral through a cooling lake which will pre-chill the air conditioning using captured rainwater.
With an expected 7.6 million annual visits, the stadium hopes to reinvent the match-day experience through technology and design.
