FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022/ Khalifa International Stadium Venue Manager: Stadium is an Ancient Sporting Edifice, Has Special Symbolism in Qatar

Doha, October 24 (QNA) - Khalifa international stadium one of the eight stadiums that will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Venue Manager, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Thani, said that the stadium is an ancient sporting edifice that enjoys special symbolism in Qatar, thanks to its long and rich history of hosting many local, regional and international tournaments, since its establishment. Qatar’s home of football, 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; in the process becoming the first tournament-ready venue for the World Cup. Khalifa International is known for its magnificent dual arches. Below them a wide canopy has been developed which complements the stadium’s innovative cooling technology. LED lights have also been added to boost the exterior of the venue. "When we talk about Khalifa Stadium, we’re not just talking about a stadium. We’re talking about one of Qatar’s iconic symbols that lies in the hearts of residents and citizens, who have witnessed multiple tournaments in this stadium," said Sheikh Ahmad Al-Thani, Khalifa International Stadium Venue Manager. The stadium will host 40,000 fans during Qatar 2022. Khalifa International can easily be accessed via Doha Metro’s Gold Line. The nearest stop is Sports City Station, which is just 500m away. Located 11km from central Doha, Khalifa International is part of Qatar Sports City – a famous sporting complex featuring Aspire Zone, Aspire Park, Aspetar sports medicine hospital and Villagio Mall. "Fans who attend matches at Khalifa will have lots to enjoy. As soon as the match ends, they can easily walk to Aspire Zone and enjoy its various facilities," added Al-Thani. Khalifa International Stadium will remain a focal point for Qatari football in the future. "Khalifa will continue to host future matches and major tournaments. I hope we continue to amaze the world with our state-of-the-art facilities," said Al-Thani. Khalifa International Stadium was the first Qatar 2022 venue to achieve Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification. The stadium’s wide roof canopy supports the state-of-the-art cooling system and helps maintain a comfortable temperature for players and fans. The Khalifa International Stadium project was managed by Projacs. Midmac Contracting Co. WLL and Six Construct were the main project contractors. During the FIFA World Cup, Khalifa International will host eight matches up to the third-place play-off: Nov. 21: England v Iran (Group B), Nov.23 : Germany v Japan (Group E), Nov.25: Netherlands v Ecuador (Group A), Nov.27: Croatia v Canada (Group F), Nov.29: Ecuador v Senegal (Group A), Dec.1: Japan v Spain (Group E), Dec.3: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (round of 16), Dec.17: Third-place play-off. (QNA)