First modular seating section of Al Bayt Stadium set to be installed

It was a key legacy component of Qatar’s bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and now the first modular seating elements are all set to be installed at Al Bayt Stadium — Al Khor City as the site continues to advance rapidly. The stands of Al Bayt Stadium — Al Khor City are now visible from afar reaching a height of 39 metres from ground level. The modular construction of the proposed semi-final host venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup means that almost half of its seating can be removed and given to football development projects around the world. Construction at the 60,000-seat stadium, which is designed like a traditional Arabian tent, is now in full swing with the commencement of installation of the first fix of approximately 2,500 seats at the north stand of the stadium. The steel structure platforms for the modular seats are designed in Germany and manufactured in Italy, while the actual seats are designed and manufactured in Qatar. After the tournament, the stadium’s capacity will be reduced to approximately 32,000 seats. Al Bayt Stadium Project Director — Aspire Zone Foundation, Dr Nasser al-Hajeri, emphasised: “Spreading a love of football and encouraging healthy lifestyles will be a proud achievement for both Aspire Zone Foundation and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.”He added: “Reducing the capacity of the stadium will also benefit the local community in Al Khor area. Not only will a new capacity of nearly 32,000 seats be more suitable for post-FIFA World Cup events, but it will create space for facilities that will attract visitors to this coastal community.”“This will ensure that Qatar is left with a stadium fit for purpose beyond 2022, while simultaneously leaving behind a significant legacy for international football development as well as creating a lively hub for the local community,” he concluded.Meanwhile, Eng. Mohemed Elamin Ahmed, who is Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Project Manager at Al Bayt Stadium — Al Khor City, explained: “It is exciting for us to see this major legacy component coming to life on the construction site at Al Khor.”He continued: “We’ve now reached the second tier of the stadium construction, which means that the modular steel elements are being added to the top for the total height of the stadium to be reached. After the tournament, the extra modular seats will be removed, reconfigured and donated to countries in need of sporting infrastructure in consultation with FIFA and the continental football confederations.”