2023 AFC Asian Cup Stadiums, Legacy of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Qatar Stadium

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup matches will be held in Qatar on eight stadiums, including six that hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar matches.

A total of 24 teams will take part in the competition that is set to take place in 2024 from Jan. 12 to Feb. 10. The stadiums are Al Janoub, Education City, Al Bayt, Al Thumama, Khalifa International Stadium and Ahmed Bin Ali, all of which hosted World Cup matches, in addition to Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

Six of the Asian Cup stadiums are part of the legacy of the Qatar World Cup 2022, which was distinguished by its uniqueness in the history of the World Cup because of its facilities, most notably the cooling feature that amazed the whole world when Qatar adapted advanced technology in the field of cooling to make football playable in all seasons. The move grabbed headlines, propelling the country to the status of the savior of the AFC by hosting Asian World Cup qualifiers and continental Champions League matches during COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to the tremendous facilities available in the Qatari stadiums, Qatar succeeded in winning the honor of hosting the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, and a few months after it bid to host the event following China's decision not to host it.

During the World Cup, fans from all over the world enjoyed attending matches at Education City stadium. The stadium offered sensory rooms that welcomed 35 fans during the eight matches it held during the World Cup, in addition to the live performances displayed and the volunteers that helped fans access the stadium.

Education City Stadium hosted Denmark and Tunisia, Uruguay and Korea, Poland and Saudi Arabia, Korea and Ghana, Tunisia and France, Korea and Portugal. All these matches took place at the group stage. The stadium hosted on last-16 match and another match in the quarter finals.

The stadium also serves the legacy of the World Cup after the conclusion of the competition, with two Qatar Foundation schools moving to the stadium after the conclusion of the World Cup.

Ahmed bin Ali Stadium meanwhile will be another one that hosted World Cup matches and is set to host part of the Asian Cup. The stadium hosted seven group-stage matches during the World Cup. It has a capacity for 45,000 spectators. It was inaugurated on Dec. 18 2020 when it held the final of HH the Amir Cup between Al Sadd and Al Arabi.

The stadiums design, and that of its surrounding buildings, mirrors aspects of the local culture and traditions. The intricate facade reflects the undulations of sand dunes while intricate geometric patterns reflect the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, as well as local and international trade. It is the perfect home for Al Rayyan SC when the tournament ends. The stadium features a stunning exterior facade with elements that showcase aspects of Qatari culture such as family values, the beauty of the desert, plant and animal life, as well as local and international trade.

The stadium received three prestigious certificates from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) awarded by the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD), in the sustainability of design and construction of the four-star category.

The stadium uses environmentally friendly cooling technology (DC) via a central station with a cooling capacity of 16,000 tons. The plant supplies the stadium with chilled water through the power plant, to a large number of air treatment units deployed on site to provide the required temperature to the area of the stands and the stadium. At the same time, the building is 20% more energy efficient compared to other buildings of this type, and it also uses 20% less water.

Al Janoub stadium is also set to host part of the Asian Cup 2023 matches. It was officially inaugurated in May 2019 with HH the Amir Cup final between Al Duhail and Al Sadd. Al Janoub Stadium has a special character in its shape, design and its location in the ancient city of Al Wakrah which represents part of the distinguished heritage of the State of Qatar, whose residents practiced pearling and diving in the depths of the sea and cherish this job as a source of pride and an important part of their country's history.

The stadium hosted six World Cup matches in the group stage, in addition to the match between Japan and Croatia in the last-16.

Khalifa International Stadium is set to host a number of Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar, after hosting nine World Cup matches. It is one of the GCC's oldest stadiums. Khalifa International Stadium, was built in 1976 before being redeveloped for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The stadium reopened in May 2017 when it hosted the Amir Cup final. It witnessed the cheering of people of the Arabian Gulf over the years as they watch the matches of Gulf championships; Arab and Asian sports tournaments; as well as many international friendly matches on different occasions.

The stadium can accommodate 40,000 fans and has been completely fitted with natural turf that can withstand the Qatari climate and has the highest resistance. The turf is a hybrid, with one developed by Oklahoma State University in the United States and the other developed locally.

Al Thumama stadium is another one that hosted World Cup matches and is set to feature in the Asian championship. The unique ring-shaped design depicts the traditional 'gahfiya' head cap worn by boys and men in Qatar and across the Arab world as a symbol of dignity and independence, and pride in the authentic Arab and Islamic traditions.

The stadium was tested at the level of public attendance and operation of the facility in the final match of HH the Amir Cup between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan in October 2021.

The environmentally friendly stadium received a five-star rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), which is administered by the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD). The prestigious award is considered a mark of excellence in sustainability, design, and construction.

The design of Al Bayt Stadium was inspired by the "bayt al shaar", taking the form of the traditional tent of the nomadic people who have lived in the deserts of Qatar thousands of years ago. Al Bayt Stadium has a distinguished location adjacent to Al Khor Coastal Road in Al Khor city in northern Qatar, 35 km north of the heart of Doha.

The Stadium, which received the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification, has a capacity of 60,000 audiences, and hosted 9 World Cup matches, including the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador.

Al Bayt Stadium was officially inaugurated with a huge artistic and football festival on Nov. 30, 2021, with the opening match of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup between Qatar and Bahrain. The tournament, which was regarded as a rehearsal for the World Cup, achieved great success in all aspects, and the Algerian national team won its title.

(QNA)