Have you ever heard of a stadium that can be built, used, and then completely dismantled? Welcome to Stadium 974 Qatar, World’s first-ever eco-friendly architectural marvel. It is not just a sports venue – it’s a groundbreaking symbol of innovation and environmental consciousness that left the world in awe.
Unlike traditional colosseums, it was built using 974 repurposed shipping containers and modular steel, making it the world’s first fully demountable facility. Located in Ras Abu Aboud, Doha, it has redefined Global football authority’s history and set a new benchmark for future stadium construction.
Stadium 974 proved that sustainability and sports can coexist, making it one of the best tourist places to visit in Qatar. So, let’s learn about its unique design, environmental benefits, and the revolution it brings to FIFA tournament venue planning.
Stadium 974 Qatar: A Quick Look into the Details
Qatar named this sports complex its “beacon of sustainability” in line with its promise to ensure the first-ever carbon-neutral International football federation tournament.
As it is made up of multi-colored shipping containers, bounded by steel elements and prefabricated components. The choice of these materials make the construction of the site cost-effective.
Unlike other permanent stadiums, Stadium 974 was not equipped with air conditioning. Instead, all matches were scheduled in the evening to benefit from Doha’s natural waterfront breeze, creating a more comfortable atmosphere for players and spectators.
From a distance, the abandoned containers resemble a giant set of toy blocks, with their motif integrated throughout the colosseum’s interior. While some of the containers were adapted as changing rooms for the players.
After the tournament, its steel structure can be repurposed for a different sports event, or divided into smaller spots.
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Why the Name 974?
Before its opening, it was known as Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, based on the district in Doha where it was constructed. After inauguration, it was named Stadium 974 which was not a coincidence. There’s a whole concept behind this unique location name.
- Qatar’s International dialing code (974) – bid a pride to the nation.
- 974 recycled shipping containers and modular steel structure – saluting the maritime past and industrial legacy of the site.
Stadium 974: Breaking Down the Essential Details
Tournament capacity: 44 089
Country: Qatar
City: Doha
Inauguration: 30/11/2021 (UAE – Syria, 2–1)
Construction: 01/11/2019 – 11/2021
Design: Fenwick Iribarren Architects
Structural Engineer: Schlaich Bergermann Partner
Contractor: HBK Contracting
Address: Ras Abu Aboud, Doha, Qatar
Metro Stations: The nearest metro station to the venue is the Ras Bu Abboud station on the gold line of the Doha Metro.
Note: Before traveling through the metro, confirm the Doha Metro Timings to keep the punctuality in motion.
A Revolutionary Concept: What Makes Stadium’s Architecture Unique?
In contrast to traditional facilities, made up of concrete and steel, it was constructed using an array of demountable containers of varying sizes and a modular steel framework. The architectural framework of the venue comprises:
- 10 sloped stairs, 17 staircase towers, 2,650 slabs, 84 steel roof trusses, and over 1,440 roof bracings with diagonal support encircling the “plugged-in” containers module.
- The ground-floor of the arena consists of the players, VIP accesses, and spaces for supporting delegates, media, and general spectators.
- The first floor hosts the VIP and hospitality lounges, and the mezzanine floor accommodates the service areas.
- Moving ahead, we have VIP concourse and upper concourse of VVIP lounges, hospitality skyboxes, the media centre and press conference areas, along with access to the upper tier of stadium seating, rounding off the plan.
(Information extracted from an article published by Jerry Elengical on Dec 08, 2022 at www.stirworld.com).
Meanwhile, this groundbreaking architectural design of the colosseum offers:
- Faster Construction Period
The basic construction of this sports complex started in Autumn 2017 with ground preparation. However, the actual development was begun two years later and completed in another two years. The arena was completely operational in 2021 as part of the Arab National Club.
- Reduced Costs and Labor
Not using the concrete and steel but the abandoned shipping containers and recycled steel, resulting in cost-effective assembling and reduced waste generation.
- Flexibility and Modularity
The whole site can be dismantled and re-purposed somewhere else after the league, and transformed the site into a waterfront development attractive for locals and businesses.
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FIFA World Cup 2022 Matches Hosted at Stadium 974 Qatar
Hosting seven fixtures of the FIFA football championship 2022 including six group matches and one round of 16 knockouts, it carved its place as the inaugural modular field in the FIFA timeline.
The list of the gaming rounds held in this sports site is mentioned below:
| Match Schedule | Attendance | Local Date | Phases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico 0–0 Poland | 39 369 (89.29%) | 22/11/2022 | Group C |
| Portugal 3–2 Ghana | 42 662 (96.76%) | 24/11/2022 | Group H |
| France 2–1 Denmark | 42 860 (97.21%) | 26/11/2022 | Group D |
| Brazil 1–0 Switzerland | 43 649 (99.00%) | 28/11/2022 | Group G |
| Poland 0–2 Argentina | 44 089 (100%) | 30/11/2022 | Group C |
| Serbia 2–3 Switzerland | 41 378 (93.85%) | 02/12/2022 | Group G |
| Brazil 4–1 South Korea | 43 847 (99.45%) | 04/12/2022 | Round of 16 |
What’s Next? The Future of Stadium 974 Qatar
It is the first-ever temporarily built field for the FIFA Championship 2022, to be completely demolished after the league. Demolishing the arena involves the transformation of the sports site into a green field and the rest of the elements of the spot are to be used to build other stuff.
- Re-using the Venue For Upcoming Sports Events
FIFA assessed three scenarios for the future of this facility, highlighting the reuse of the venue by transporting it to another location.
One of the interesting proposals is to transfer the site to Uruguay for the 2030 global event’s arena, after winning the right to co-host the mega event along with Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.
Currently, this field has a 3-times higher carbon footprint and 60% greenhouse gas footprint than permanent sports complexes, but its future relocations will determine its overall eco-friendly impact. Carbon Market Watch stated that it depends on how many times, and how far, this spot is transported and reassembled.
Alt text: Identifying the use of containers through their colors distinction
Studies show that if it is relocated within 7,033 km by sea and road, it would be more eco-friendly than constructing two new permanent complexes. The travel distance increases to 40,118 km for two reuses and 72,616 km for three.
Overall, this repurposing of the location tends to be more environmentally beneficial if it travels within a specific limit of the region e.g. Qatar with a lifespan of four years in each destination.
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- Donating the Seats and Other Elements
Event organizers will donate 170,000 seats, from seven dismantled FIFA sites, to developing countries, promoting accessibility for future sports events.
Why Stadium 974 Qatar is a Game Changer For Future Sports Events?
People believed that the Stadium 974 Qatar is going to be a game changer in the history of sports. Let’s see what’s make them think so:
- A Revolutionary Road to Green Innovation
- No completely demolished and dismantled FIFA football championship destination showcased ever before.
- This innovative approach reduces the waste generation and costs.
- An Enduring Legacy Over Qatar
- Challenging the traditional arenas by setting a precedent for reusable grounds
- Encouraging future hosts to prioritize environmental consciousness over permanent sports settings.
- An Architectural Marvel For Tourist Attraction
- An architectural design made up of multi-colored cargo units and modular steel – becoming a tourist attraction.
Conclusion
Stadium 974 Qatar is not only a sports venue but a statement – a vision of what sustainability truly looks like in the future. By being modular, re-purposed, and eco-friendly, it left a long-lasting impact far behind its physical facade.
With a keen focus on sustainable event hosting, Stadium 974 tends to inspire the nations to adopt greener adaptations for sports infrastructure. The impact this trademark left on the world remains unmatched no matter whether its site is relocated or its elements are reused.
Do you think more sports complexes should follow this model? Let us know in the comments!
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People May Ask
| Is Stadium 974 still present in Qatar? No, as per the FIFA plans, the Stadium 974 is dismantled and expected to be repurposed somewhere else for other sports events. |
| Will other stadiums follow this sustainable model design? As per reports, yes. Many other sports architecture companies and event organizers are considering this sustainable model design as a trademark for future sports spots’ construction. |
| What was the last match played in Stadium 974? The last match hosted at the Stadium 974 was the round of 16 game between Brazil and South Korea on December 5, 2022. |
