Construction works have been completed on Qatar’s historic Khalifa International Stadium and the venue has been announced by the Qatar Football Association (QFA) as the host venue for the 2017 Emir Cup final on Friday 19 May. The stadium will be inaugurated before the clash between traditional rivals Al Rayyan and Al Sadd.

The Khalifa International Stadium is the first proposed host venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ and, after redevelopment, is ready more than five years before the tournament kicks off.

“We are pleased to announce that Khalifa International Stadium will host the final of the 2017 Emir Cup between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd on Friday evening,” said QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani. “This historic venue is close to Qatari hearts, and has seen some of Qatar’s biggest sporting occasions over the years since 1976. It is therefore a fitting venue for the biggest match of Qatar’s football calendar, and we look forward to welcoming fans into the magnificent re-modeled stadium. The venue will also host the opening game and final of the Gulf Cup this December in Doha.”

The Khalifa International Stadium has undergone extensive renovation works ahead of hosting matches up to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2022. New features are in full compliance with FIFA requirements and include an additional seating stand on the eastern part of the stadium, the installation of innovative cooling technology to keep spectators and players alike comfortable throughout the year, and the construction of a sports museum within the venue.

“The completion of our first stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is an important milestone for Qatar and reflects our commitment to delivering all of the proposed venues well in advance of the tournament,” said H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).

“This is a venue which holds a very special place in Qatar’s sporting history, and over the years we have seen some of the greatest football players from Qatar, the region and world stars make their mark here. This renovated stadium features many of the innovative elements, such as the new cooling technology, which we promised during our bid. We are excited to see the players take to the pitch for the game, and to welcome fans to the renovated stadium this Friday for an exciting match-day experience.”

Within the Khalifa International Stadium, which seats more than 40,000 spectators, a new viewing experience awaits the fans. The entire spectator area is now covered by a new roof, with an intricate net of German and Italian-made steel tension cables weighing 4,000 tonnes having been put up to hold the 92 panels in place.

Originally constructed in 1976, the Khalifa International Stadium has hosted the Gulf Cup on two occasions, as well as the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1995, the 2006 Doha Asian Games, the 2011 AFC Asian Cup final and international friendly matches.

 

Source:fifa.com

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