Get ready for some heavy-metal football.
Football has been woven into the very DNA of Saudi Arabia. The most beautiful game in the world is a beloved national pastime that brings the passion and dedication of the fans to the forefront every time.
So, its only natural that the Kingdom is all but set to host FIFA World Cup 2034.
After becoming the first and only nation to successfully send a bid on time for the said cup in October, 2023, the Kingdom has started to unveil the designs for its new stadiums, including the King Salman Stadium right here is Riyadh.
The state-of-the-art arena is one of the fifteen new ones coming to Saudi in preparation for the world cup.
Set to be one of the largest sports arenas in the world, once completed, the stadium will be the home-ground for the Saudi national team (Hello, home advantage).
Enough preamble. Let’s dive right into it.
King Salman Stadium 2024
After becoming the only team to defeat FIFA World Cup 2022 winners Argentina in Qatar, Saudi is now preparing to welcome the champions and other qualifying nations in 10 years time.
In preparation for the biggest cup from the sport, Saudi has revealed plans for 15 new stadiums across five cities including the USD500-billion-dollar city of the future, NEOM
The King Salman Stadium is one of the eight new stadiums coming to Riyadh for the FIFA World Cup. The space will not only act as the primary headquarters for the Saudi national team but will also be expected to serve as the host stadium for the opening match of the World Cup.
The stadium intends to further solidify the Kingdom’s position as a premier sports hub by promoting sports and players in the industry, aligning it with Saudi Vision 2030.
King Salman Stadium location
It will be situated near to King Abdulaziz Park on King Salman Road.
King Salman Stadium opening date
It is slated to open by 2029.
King Salman Stadium amenities
The stadium will feature walls and ceilings covering more than 95,500 square meters.
Major local and international entertainment events will be held here. King Salman Stadium, which spans more than 660,000 square meters, will also have commercial hubs, leisure spaces for people of all ages, and more.
Over 360,000 square meters of surrounding sports facilities will also be included in the stadium. A closed sports hall, an Olympic-sized pool, an athletes’ track, two training fields, and outdoor courts for padel, basketball, and volleyball will all be present. A 9-kilometer sports track encircling King Abdulaziz Park connects the facilities, which will serve all age groups.
There will be 92,000 seats available. Additionally, there will be 2,200 dignitary seats, 300 VIP seats, 120 hospitality suites, and 150 royal suites.
Along with extended inside screens for spectators, indoor gardens, and a walking track with views of King Abdulaziz Park from the stadium’s roof, there will also be cooling systems installed throughout the floor and seats.
Football in Riyadh
Football is a huge part of the Kingdom’s culture, with Riyadh Fashion Week paying homage to the sport by releasing a whole look dedicated to it on the runway recently. Saudi Arabia has hosted massive footie matches in the past and is continuing to do so with the Italian Super Cup coming to Riyadh Season. Speaking of which, you can look forward to the first-ever UFC Power Slap happening next year at The Venue.
2029. King Salman Road, spa.gov.sa.
