Imam Reza Stadium – stadium description

Construction works at this 4.5-hectare stadium in northern Mashhad began back in early 2011. Back then the goal was to create a 25,000-seat stadium with partial cover and ability to hold major athletic and football events as Irand second city's international venue.

However, during actual works the plans have been amended with regard to its roof. Instead of modest shade-providing cover it was to get Iran's very first tensile cable structure. The task was complicated due to seating bowl layout having been predetermined by then. The project was carried out in cooperation between French and German engineers.

The final outcome seems very satisfying though, especially with the new roof becoming a major landmark. Its 18,000 m² is nothing special globally, but in Iran it's the largest and most advanced structure of its kind, a benchmark for future projects. It's also a reason for pride as the steel compression ring crown rises high above the stadium and it's individually illuminated, just as is the membrane itself.

Construction works were carried out at an extremely low pace if counted as a continuous project, though various phases have been delivered independently from one-another. The stands themselves were ready back in 2015, while seating, roof, field and running track followed later.

Altogether the stadium offers over 27,000 covered seats, conference facilities for 570 people within the main stands, 10 indoor training halls beneath it and numerous sports amenities around. There also is a large multi-level parking for some 1,200 cars.