Khalifa International Stadium

Named after Khalifa Bin Ahmad al Thani, Qatar’s former Emir, This stadium is a part of Doha sports city complex and stands as a testimony to Qatar’s resolve to be a leading venue for world sporting events. Doha sports city is a multipurpose sporting complex located in Al- Waab district of Doha which also includes several sporting venues such as Hamad aquatic center, Sports Science and Orthopedic Hospital, Aspire dome (World’s largest indoor multipurpose sports hall) and Aspire academy.

With stunning style and splendid illumination, Khalifa Stadium has set a new benchmark for both the world class add-ons and architectural possibilities in sports arena. It is more than a stadium and preserves a unique style as well as artistic expression of its own.

Khalifa Stadium is enhanced to tap the potentials of the fast growing sports industry with latest international benchmarks. While Qatar strives for its world place in sports, the stadium facilities are tailor made to host major sports events of international standard, particularly football and athletics. Looking forward for the 2022 FIFA world cup, there are indications that the Khalifa Stadium with its luxurious belongings becomes an integral component and the focal point of the success of world cup.

How to get there?
The stadium is located in Doha sports city (Aspire zone) approximately 8km from Doha’s CBD in Al- Waab district of Doha.

History
The stadium was originally opened in 1976 with 20000-seater and only a small canopy on one side. In 2005, the stadium was enlarged and refurbished to 21st century standards for the Asian Games held on 1-15 December 2006. The stadium was converted to 50000 seats, with a roof on the western side and a signaturelighting arch on the eastern side was used as a platform for the launch of fireworks during the 2006 Asian games.

The renovated stadium was officially opened on 4 June 2005 with a celebratory soccer match in which Qatar won. After the 2006 Asian Games it is functioning as a world-class Olympic-standard stadium. In spite of the recent renovation, the stadium's present capacity of 50,000 will be increased to 68,000 for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.The stadium was used mostly for Football matches before its renovation but it includes facilities for many other sports like track and field events.

Design and Structural Summary
The stadium is a magnificent illustration of stirring modern engineering and a pleasant portent of the standard of artistic design that is being developed here as Qatar surge towards 2022 Soccer world cup.

Built in 1976, Khalifa International Stadium which has already hosted several international and national events was refurbished and revamped as per Olympic standards as Qatar was to stage the Asian Games on 2006. The stadium expansion Committee required truly a world-class facility, exceptional in design and instantly identifiable as an emblem of Qatar so Planning and construction formed a truly global alliance. The design, documentation, and construction of the roof and lighting arch were completed in a little over 12 months. Practical finishing point was issued and dated on 28 February 2005 and in June 2005 the stadium hosted its first event (a soccer match). The world’s best engineers Arup & Associates which is an international engineering firm based in London were tasked with the structural design and development of the project and when the falling down Stadium required refurbishing the engineering consultants converted the stadium with a signature lighting arch and spectacular yet delicate roof. Cox Richardson Architects and planners were involved to develop the scheme for the complete stadium expansion, including roof, foundations, seating extension and private box for the Crown Prince of Qatar.

Cox Richardson Architects and planners undertook extensive 3-D modeling of the structure to make sure connections were designed for the suitable forces, looked striking in appearance, adding to the stadium’s overall visual impact. There were two stands in the stadium, West stand and East stand. Thanks to up gradation work; the existing East stand received new façade uplift and the West stand has now got a new fabric roof. After expansion, the stadium has a building that consists of changing rooms through subways and also a warm-up field.

There is a colossal arch that serves to be the crown for the stadium which was constructed over the running track. The enormous arch is not build exclusively for aesthetic purpose as it holds lighting which can be controlled to increase the field lighting plays for celebrations. Equipped with the latest video and audio technology, the arch also supports speakers systems that boost the acoustics by curtailing echoes. Arup developed a series of stylish struts and cigar-shaped columns to hold the main roof arches and the stadium overall has now been a major feast to the eyes of spectators.

Sport events
The 2011 Asian cup final was played at the stadium
Host for the Gulf cup of nations
Host for the 2006 ASIAN games
Host for the 2011 PAN ARAB games
Host for the 2011 AFC Asian cup for Group A matches, the Quarter Final, Semi-final and the final, (2011)
Host for 2022 FIFA world cup