King Fahd Sports City, spanning over 500 square meters, is located in Riyadh, the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia. It was constructed in 1987 under the orders of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud when he was still Crown Prince.
The stadium gained international recognition as the host of the 7th FIFA World Youth Championship in 1989. Notably, in September 2017, the stadium marked a historic moment by hosting the gala celebration of Saudi Arabia’s 87th anniversary, welcoming women for the first time to witness its magnificence.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030
Following this milestone, plans were set in motion to transform King Fahd Sports City into an integrated facility for sporting events and cultural festivities, aligning with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil, diversifying its economy, and developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
The Renovation Project
The renovation project aims to modernize the stadium to meet the standards required for hosting the 2027 Asian Cup, while also enhancing its facilities to offer world-class amenities. Key milestones and projected timelines for the renovation project include:
Phase 1 (2022-2024): Preparation and preliminary works
Phase 2 (2024-2026): Main construction and renovation activities
Projected completion date: Late 2026, in time for the 2027 Asian Cup
Proposed Enhancements
The Saudi Ministry of Sports has outlined a comprehensive plan to enhance both the stadium and its surroundings. This includes the incorporation of green spaces, bike paths, sports stores, and retail shops in the vicinity. Inside the stadium, the plan involves removing the athletic track to create space for a temporary one, alongside the construction of additional facilities such as a multi-purpose sports hall, golf courses, football pitches, FIFA training grounds, a theater, an exhibition space, a football academy, and futsal facilities.
Key Players
The prestigious renovation project has been entrusted to the Mace Group, a distinguished British firm headquartered in the United Kingdom. Their expertise will be instrumental in realizing the vision set forth for the King Fahd Sports City. Additionally, Schiattarella Associati, a renowned firm based in Rome, is responsible for the transformation of the historic stadium into a modern icon.
Architectural Marvel
King Fahd International Stadium, also known as “The Tent” (Mala’ab al-Khaymah) or “Pearl of Stadiums” (Durrat al-Mala’eb), is celebrated for its unique architectural expression. In preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup, an extensive renovation of the stadium is underway, led by Schiattarella Associati.
Amedeo and Andrea Schiattarella (of Rome-based firm Schiattarella Associati) said “Our proposal starts from the idea of solving the new functional requirements introducing shapes and volumes that not only are integrated into the existing architecture but enhance the value of the Stadium itself.”
Their vision is reflected in the iconic roof structure and the elevated design of the stadium. Inspired by the traditional Bedouin tents, enormous cantilever arches support the roof, creating a visually striking and culturally significant landmark. The rib vaults covering the stadium have a high iconographical value and act as a benchmark for Riyadh’s urban fabric.
From high-definition video screens to immersive audio systems, every aspect of the stadium is designed to captivate the senses and elevate the overall ambiance.With a seating capacity set to expand from 58,398 to approximately 92,000 seats by 2026, King Fahd International Stadium is poised to become even more prominent on the global stage. Its retractable roofing system ensures year-round activity, regardless of weather conditions, providing spectators with an unparalleled viewing experience.
The stadium’s roof is held up by 24 tall towers, each with a 58-meter-high mast. The elements are meticulously arranged around a circular expanse with a diameter of 246 meters. 134-meter ring cable placed 33 meters above the playing field, ensures perfect equilibrium and aesthetic symmetry. More importantly, it instantly became the venue with the World’s largest roof. The construction cost was about 1.912 billion Saudi riyals or 510 million dollars to cover a surface of 47,000 sqm allowing King Fahd’s stadium to retain its status for almost two decades.
The artificial hill at the base of the stadium is designed to achieve functionality, aesthetics & sustainability. It primarily serves as a link between the ground and the concourse level. It claims to have a capacity for 1,000 parking spaces and access areas to the West Stand—which will be renovated to fit FIFA requirements and accommodate spectators in a 12,000-square-meter space.
Encircling the stadium, a tier of skyboxes offers an elevated viewing experience, while dedicated ground parking facilities to the eastern perimeter, provide convenient access directly to the bleachers. Designated parking areas, numerous stadium entrances, and self-service access points cater to every category of VIP, ensuring seamless and personalized experiences for all attendees.
The green area between the hill and the stadium will allow natural light to illuminate multiple entrances and act as a buffer between the stadium and parking. Through this thoughtful adjustment, even the pedestrian ramps seamlessly integrate with the primary structure and the natural surroundings. From an aesthetic perspective, the resulting conical volume harmoniously incorporates all the disparate service elements previously scattered around the Stadium, imbuing it with a newfound sense of cohesion and unity.
The Pearl: A Global Event Platform
- October 2019 experienced two major events: The first BTS concert in the Middle East, as part of their Love Yourself: Speak Yourself World Tour & WWE’s event Crown Jewel, hosted a huge footfall.
- The Pearl Stadium hosted the Saudi Games 2022, inaugurated with an opening performance by David Guetta (Renowned French DJ & Musician)
- January 2022 witnessed Real Madrid lifting the trophy for Supercopa de España (2021-22), the first official Clásico to be held in a stadium outside of Spain.
- In January 2023, the stadium played host to the thrilling 2023 Supercopa de España Final, where Barcelona emerged victorious. Merely three days later, the arena welcomed the prestigious 2022 Supercoppa Italiana showdown between A.C. Milan and Inter Milan.
- Coinciding with the inclusion of the Saudi Professional League, the stadium has enjoyed a prominent presence in the FIFA 13 video game series. PlayStation 2 era of the Pro Evolution Soccer series, showcased a modified rendition of the stadium, boasting two tiers encircling the arena, graced the virtual realm under the moniker “Nakhon Ratchasima.”
Impact and Legacy
King Fahd Sports City is more than just a venue for sporting events; it is a cultural nexus where communities converge to celebrate the essence of human endeavor. From exhilarating football matches to captivating concerts and festivals, the stadium pulsates with the energy of excitement and anticipation.
With bold plans for expansion and development on the horizon, the stadium is poised to write new chapters in the annals of history, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Saudi Arabia and the world at large.
As the renovation of King Fahd Sports City continues, it represents a bold step towards realizing Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future. With a blend of tradition and modernity, the iconic stadium is set to become a symbol of progress and excellence, showcasing the kingdom’s commitment to sports, culture, and innovation.
References
- https://parametric-architecture.com/king-fahd-sports-city-currently-under-renovation-expected-to-open-in-2026/#google_vignette
- https://mos.gov.sa/en/facilities/sportsfacilities/Pages/taeifcity.aspx
- https://www.archdaily.com/804922/schiattarella-associati-unveils-riyadh-stadium-plans/589aa284e58ece855d000087-schiattarella-associati-unveils-riyadh-stadium-plans-image?next_project=no
- https://www.arch2o.com/king-fahd-stadium-schiattarella-associati/arch2o-king-fahd-stadium-schiattarella-associati-11/
- https://www.e-architect.com/saudiarabia/king-fahd-international-stadium-in-riyadh
- https://www.coliseum-online.com/mace-might-to-king-fahd-sports-city-project/#:~:text=The%20King%20Fahd%20Sports%20City%20project%20is%20a%20renovation%20of,store%2C%20and%20a%20sports%20museum
- https://www.coliseum-online.com/mace-might-to-king-fahd-sports-city-project/#:~:text=The%20King%20Fahd%20Sports%20City%20project%20is%20a%20renovation%20of,store%2C%20and%20a%20sports%20museum
- http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/ksa/king_fahd_international_stadium
- https://www.footballbusinessjournal.com/post/king-fahd-sports-city-stadium-to-undergo-major-renovation-ahead-of-2027-afc-asian-cup
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Fahd_Sports_City
- King Fahd International Stadium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzO6Jws70p4