Al Thumama Stadium – tournament stadium description

How was Al Thumama Stadium built?

On the site where Al Thumama Stadium was erected, there were originally plans to build another, much more modest but also interesting stadium. Its stands were to be largely below ground level and the canopy would be covered by a lawn, with only the west stand, in the form of a diagonal wall, extending clearly above ground level. The design evoked associations with a laptop computer, and this is the nickname it earned.

Following Qatar's selection as World Cup host, construction was halted at an early stage, and after a few years a completely new, much more ambitious design was adopted for implementation. Preparatory work began in 2016, with actual construction starting on March 1, 2017, and the facility was inaugurated on October 22, 2021 with the final match of the Emirates Cup. At the end of 2021, the stadium also hosted part of the Arab Nations Cup games.

What are the characteristics of Al Thumama Stadium?

Despite the football-oriented rectangular layout of the stands, the stadium was built on the plan of a perfect circle with a diameter of 240m. The auditorium is divided into two tiers, punctuated by a strip of business seats, and apart from the VIP areas, the stands are divided into two parts in terms of the colour of the seats - green on one side and red on the other. The venue is also equipped with a cooling system.

The theme of Al Thumama Stadium (named after the area) is the traditional Arab headwear, known in the area as the 'gahfiya'. The facility resembles a gahfiya through its outer circular form, with a perforated, lace-like facade and a flat, ornamental roof, all in white. The design of the arena was prepared by a local architectural firm. A large training pitch complex has also been built next to the stadium.

How will Al Thumama Stadium be used?

During the tournament, the stadium will host six group stage matches, as well as one round of 16 and one quarter-final games. After the competition, the capacity will be reduced to 20,000 spectators as a result of the removal of the upper level of the stands. A sports clinic and a 60-room boutique hotel will be built on site.

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

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