Set to become one of the world’s largest sports venues, this transformative project reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitions on the global stage. Scheduled for completion by late 2029, the stadium will be the primary home for Saudi Arabia’s national football team and host both national and international sporting events as well as major entertainment spectacles. Image courtesy of Populous Located strategically in northern Riyadh on King Salman Road, adjacent to the expansive King Abdulaziz Park, the King Salman Stadium is more than a venue—it’s a symbol of growth, inclusivity, and sustainability. Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural landscape, the masterplan uses a design concept likened to seeds germinating and cracking the earth, representing the nation’s commitment to nurturing sports talent from grassroots to elite levels. Key features of the stadium Seating capacity: Over 92,000 seats, ensuring a world-class spectator experience. Premium amenities: Includes a Royal Box, hospitality skyboxes and lounges, 300 VVIP seats, and 2,200 VIP seats. Innovative design: Compact seating bowl for intimacy and optimal spectator atmosphere, in compliance with FIFA standards. Spectator engagement: Internal screens, gardens, and a rooftop walking path with panoramic views of King Abdulaziz Park. The stadium’s bowl is configured to cater to Royals, VVIPs, VIPs, and general admission, offering barrier-free accessibility and inclusive experiences. Image courtesy of Populous The King Salman Stadium Masterplan goes beyond just the main venue, including various sports and community facilities aimed at positioning Riyadh as a leading global sporting destination. The elite sports facilities feature an athletics stadium, football training fields, and a training camp. The Aquatics Centre includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool for hosting competitive events. Community engagement is emphasised with an indoor sports hall, a 9-kilometre sports track, and a community sports park offering amenities for volleyball, basketball, and padel. Commercial spaces such as fan zones, landscaped walkways, and year-round retail and leisure attractions are integrated into the design. This comprehensive approach allows the stadium and its surroundings to serve as a dynamic destination that seamlessly combines daily community use with hosting large-scale events. Sustainability at the core Green walls, rooftop gardens, and a connecting valley integrate the stadium with King Abdulaziz Park, reflecting sustainable design principles. Supporting Saudi Arabia’s sports ecosystem Mark Craine, Senior Principal at Populous, describes the project as a culmination of the firm’s 40 years of global expertise in stadium design. “The King Salman Stadium has been designed to meet FIFA’s highest standards while accommodating diverse event types. It’s a venue where architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a unique sporting hub for Riyadh,” he said. Image courtesy of Populous Saudi Arabia has unveiled its plans for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which include the construction of 11 new stadiums in various cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the underdeveloped NEOM and extensively refurbishing four existing ones over the next decade in order to host the international tournament. Populous has been selected to design several of these venues, including the technologically advanced Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya City and the multi-purpose Aramco Stadium, which is slated to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup as well. Together, these world-class facilities form the backbone of the Kingdom’s ambitious sports strategy, providing cutting-edge infrastructure to host international tournaments and foster grassroots participation.   For registration as a supplier: https://tenders.rcrc.gov.sa/en (ICE RIYADH)

Fonte notizia: Construction Week