Bahrain is planning to build its biggest integrated sports stadium, set to feature an international standard football pitch, an underground shopping complex and a cinema.

The “visionary” stadium, which is likely to be located in Sakhir, Southern Governate, will accommodate up to 50,000 people. It will feature a telescopic roof and hypermarket as well as halls dedicated to various sports such as basketball, handball, bowling, badminton and table tennis.

The stadium is also likely to include an Olympic-size swimming pool and sports training schools, reported Gulf Daily News.

The Southern Municipal Council said there is high demand for an integrated sports complex. “The existing Bahrain National Stadium and Khalifa Sports City, despite major renovations, still do not match aspirations for Bahrain’s future direction towards having exquisite sporting facilities,” said Ahmed Al Ansari, council chairman of the Southern Municipal Council.

“The two sports halls in Umm Al Hassam and Juffair are very small and can’t accommodate a full house, which is the case most of the time, and spectators park in the middle of the road even if it means they get fined, which shows how passionate they are about the game. Other sports have no place and are divided amongst clubs, despite being popular,” he added.

The stadium could also help Bahrain enter the race to host the Asian Cup championships, according to Al Ansari, who also said the stadium could turn into a focal tourist point.

 

Source : arabianbusiness.com

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