Al Bayt Stadium – tournament stadium description

How was Al Bayt Stadium built?

Preparatory work on the ground began in 2014 and the start of the actual construction happened in September 2015. The facility was practically ready by early 2019, but the first match was not played there until November 30, 2021, when the opening game of the Arab Cup of Nations took place here (the stadium later also hosted the final of this event).

What are the characteristics of Al Bayt Stadium?

Al Bayt Stadium is the furthest World Cup 2022 stadium from Doha (less than 50 km north of its centre), in fact the only one located outside the capital and its suburbs. It is also the second largest venue of the Qatar World Cup (with a capacity of 68,895 spectators) and will host, among others, the opening match of the tournament.

A huge area of land south of the Al-Chaur development has been earmarked for the stadium. The arena is surrounded by a large square with a circular outline, which is in turn framed by green areas enclosed in a square form. Two roads, built on flyovers, have been brought directly to the stadium, and the surroundings also include numerous parking spaces.

The venue's stands surround the pitch on all sides and have been divided into three levels. They are equipped with plastic seats, mostly in red. The colour scheme is enhanced by black horizontal stripes with traditional Bedouin 'orchard' patterns. This motif is also repeated in the interior decoration of the stadium.

Like most World Cup arenas in Qatar, the stadium is equipped with a cooling system. As one of two venues for this World Cup (alongside Al Janoub Stadium), the stadium also has a retractable roof that opens and closes in about 20 minutes. As well as providing protection from the (rare in this area) rains, the closed body of the venue makes it easier to control the temperature inside.

The stadium is enclosed by an original façade connected to the roof, the shape of which is determined by the theme of the facility – a traditional Bedouin tent, the so-called 'Bayt al sha'ar' (hence the name). The façade is white in colour, with horizontal black stripes running all around, symbolising the tribes and families that used similar tents. "The tent" surrounding the stands was created on a rectangular plan, and its dimensions (372.5 × 310 m) exceed the size needed to cover the stands, creating more space inside.

Initially planned to be black in colour with white stripes, the scheme was later reversed. A seemingly minor aesthetic change, however, helps to reduce the heat inside by up to 5 °C.

How will Al Bayt Stadium be used?

During the World Cup, the stadium will host six group matches, one round of 16, one quarter final and one semi-final games. After the tournament, the upper level of the auditorium will be dismantled and the resulting space is to be converted into a five-star hotel. The arena will also include a shopping centre, food and beverage area, gym and other facilities.

What matches will take place at Al Bayt Stadium during the 2022 World Cup?

How Al Bayt Stadium compares to other World Cup 2022 venues?