Saudi Arabia Unveils Designs for King Salman Stadium
Discover the architectural marvel and sporting hub set to become one of the largest stadiums globally, enhancing Saudi Arabia's status in the world of sports.
Published July 29, 2024 - 00:07am
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Saudi Ministry of Sports have revealed the future designs and concepts for King Salman Stadium and its sports facilities, which is set to become one of the largest stadiums globally and the main venue for the Saudi national team, hosting major sports events.
Strategically located in the northern area of Riyadh, on King Salman Road next to King Abdulaziz Park, the stadium is conveniently close to vital city landmarks such as King Khalid International Airport. It is connected to Riyadh's railway station and main road networks, facilitating accessibility from all parts of the city.
The establishment of this stadium comes as a dedication from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister, emphasizing the development of the sports sector, enhancing performance, and significantly promoting Saudi Arabia as a sports hub. The design of King Salman Stadium and its sports facilities, scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029, was chosen from several proposals submitted by six global companies specializing in sports architecture.
The selected design, inspired by the “mountainous terrain,” integrates seamlessly with King Abdulaziz Park, merging with the valley cutting through the surrounding park and green spaces. The architectural design of the main stadium highlights green walls and rooftops covering more than 96,500 square meters. This design, drawing from local architecture, meets environmental sustainability and green building standards, making it a remarkable global architectural sports icon capable of hosting major local and international entertainment events. It will elevate living standards in Riyadh and enhance the city's global ranking as one of the “most livable cities in the world.”
Spanning over 660,000 square meters, King Salman Stadium and its sports facilities include numerous amenities for various sports activities. It also features commercial centers and recreational spots accessible to all age groups throughout the day, making it an attractive destination for visitors from inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
The main stadium can accommodate 92,000 spectators, including a royal box with 150 seats, 120 hospitality suites, 300 VIP seats, and 2,200 seats for important personalities. The stadium is equipped with sustainable cooling systems for the seats and the playing field. Additionally, the upper part of the stadium is surrounded by screens for the audience, and indoor gardens, and features a walking path on the rooftop offering a unique view of King Abdulaziz Park, providing visitors with an exceptional experience.
The general plan of King Salman Stadium includes various sports facilities surrounding the main stadium over an area exceeding 360,000 square meters. It includes two auxiliary training fields, fan zones, an indoor sports arena, an Olympic swimming pool, and an athletics track. There are also outdoor courts for volleyball, basketball, and padel, making various sports activities available to all age groups. All these facilities are interconnected by a 9-kilometer-long sports track around the perimeter of King Abdulaziz Park.
The construction of King Salman Stadium and its sports facilities is anticipated to bolster sports activities within the community, fostering a generation that pursues a healthy lifestyle and competes regionally and globally for excellence in sports. It will provide the necessary infrastructure to keep pace with the sports development envisioned in Saudi Vision 2030. The stadium, with its sports and commercial facilities, is expected to host the largest global and entertainment events, offering diverse investment opportunities that will boost local investment and the economy.