The architectural firm Gensler has presented an innovative design for a modern football stadium to be built on the outskirts of Cairo. It will be the first clubhouse ever for Al-Ahly, one of Africa's most successful teams.

Sunken pitch: modernity and functionality in one

Once the new Al-Ahly Cairo stadium is finished, the club will leave Cairo International Stadium for the first time in its history. The new arena will have a capacity of 42,000 and will stand out due to its unique design: the pitch will be sunk into the ground. This is necessary due to the height restrictions imposed by flight paths, as the stadium is being built near Sphinx International Airport, between Cairo and Alexandria.

The sunken pitch also has an additional function: it enables passive cooling, which will reduce energy consumption and create optimal playing conditions even in the Egyptian climate. As Tayomar Gama, Gensler's European sports leader, emphasises, the stadium overcomes architectural challenges, but also contributes to the sustainable development of the region and strengthens its international significance.

Innovative approach to stadium and fan space

The main characteristic of the stadium is its dynamic, undulating facade, whose asymmetrical shape gives the building a unique appearance. The surface of the facade will be covered with digital screens that will be illuminated to create light shows at night, intended to be viewed from above, even by incoming planes.

One of the most spectacular elements of the stadium will be a glazed, arched window on the upper floor, which will provide a view of the pitch from the public space. This architectural feature is intended to increase the interaction between fans and sporting events, even outside the stadium walls. The arena will have two-tier stands surrounding the pitch on three sides.

Next to the stadium, a spacious public square called Owners' Plaza will be built, which will become the main entrance to the facility. It will be a place full of activity - with cafes, shops and a museum dedicated to the history of the Al-Ahly club. As a tribute to the dedicated fans, the pavements of the square will feature bricks engraved with the names of club members.

The VIP area will be a separate zone in the stadium, offering an exclusive experience – from luxury seating to panoramic windows overlooking the tunnel through which the players will enter the pitch. This will allow VIP guests to watch the players even before the start of the match.