Formerly known as the Ras Abu Aboud stadium, this is the seventh venue to be completed for the World Cup…
Qatar, on Saturday, unveiled their seventh tournament ready venue for the 2022 World Cup – Stadium 974.
The venue follows Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali, Al Bayt and Al Thumama in being declared ready to host matches for the World Cup, with only one more venue left to be unveiled.
Previously known as Ras Abu Aboud, Stadium 974 will be inaugurated during the Arab Cup which kickstarts on November 30, 2021. The stadium will host the match between Syria and UAE on the opening day and will host a total of six matches during the tournament.
Stadium 974 will play hosts to seven 2022 World Cup matches, up to the Round of 16 stage.
The venue has a lot of interesting aspects to it. Let's take a look at five facts you must know about Stadium 974.
SCWhy is it called Stadium 974?
The venue's nomenclature is interesting. You must probably be thinking why a number has been assigned as part of the name for a World Cup venue. But it has a couple of very interesting reasons.
Stadium 974 has been constructed using shipping containers, as already mentioned. 974 is the number of shipping containers used to build the venue. Intriguing, isn't it? That's not all.
974 is also Qatar's international dialling code and that also played a part behind the stadium's name. The name also is supposed to reflect the stadium's strategic position, located close to the Hamad International Airport, Doha Airport and Doha Port.
AdvertisementSCFirst fully demountable stadium in World Cup history
Stadium 974, quite interestingly, can be fully dismantled after use and is the first fully demountable stadium in the history of World Cups. The stadium has been constructed using shipping containers and modular steel frames, reflecting Qatar's maritime history.
The design of the stadium makes it visually appealing while also ensuring cost effectiveness, given that fewer materials were used compared to a traditional stadium.
SCNo need for Advanced Cooling Tech
One of the most distinguishing features about the 2022 World Cup venues has been the Advanced Cooling Tech which will keep the temperatures inside the stadiums to an optimum, both for the fans and the players alike.
However, Stadium 974 will be the only World Cup venue which will not have the cooling technology. It doesn't need one, given its innovative design.
The stadium is naturally ventilated due to its design and location very close to the sea front.
SCSustainability at the forefront
Stadium 974 is a shining example of sustainability, on quite a few counts.
Given that there is no need for cooling tech, combined with the stadium's efficient design, means water use at the venue has been reduced by almost 40 per cent.
The modular design of the stadium makes use of shipping containers. More interestingly, the containers were initially used to transport building materials for the venue before becoming part of the facade!
To add to it, much of the stadium's structure has been built using recycled steel.