With the much-anticipated 2022 FIFA World Cup set to take centre stage next month, here's a look at the state-of-the-art Al Bayt Stadium, which is set to stage the opening ceremony as well as the first game of the tournament.
The story
The excitement is beginning to intensify as the world club in Qatar is just over a month and a half away from kick-off. All stages have been set and among them is the beautiful Al Bayt Stadium is located in the city of Al Khor.
The venue will host nine of the 64 matches, including some blockbuster games such as the Group F encounter between Morocco and Croatia, Spain versus Germany, as well as three knockout stage fixtures consisting of a semifinal.
According to FIFA, the arena is "fashioned to replicate the bayt al sha’ar, the tents historically used by the nomadic people of Qatar." The innovative design is said to echoes the flowing fabric of the traditional Bedouin dwellings, and it promises to delight fans with its mouth-watering fixtures.
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It has a capacity of 60 000 seats, with a the inside of the stadium boasting a royal red theme which can be seen on the stands as well as the VIP and VVIP lounge areas.
Scroll through the gallery above to see the stunning Al Bayt Stadium
The facility has a retractable roof which can be closed in 20 minutes to provide maximum cooling conditions as the country is known for having scorching hot temperature - thus the tournament is held in November to avoid the unconducive weather that the country experiences around the traditional World Cup period of June and July.
It is understood that the area of the entire vicinity covers a space larger than 30 football fields, and the zone is equipped with vlarge green spaces with play areas, exercise stations, tracks for running, cycling, horse riding, and camel riding.
Did you know?
Tickets are quite expensive though, with prices starting from $950.00 (R17 077) up to $3 050.00 (R54 827) for a business seat.
Your thoughts, please?
Who do you think will be crowned world champions at Qatar in December?
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