Key facts
| Address | Doha Ring Road, Doha, Qatar |
| Capacity | 40,000 seats |
| Build Date | 1976 |
Description
Khalifa International Stadium is a stadium in Doha, Qatar. It is located within the Doha Sports City complex. The stadium was named after the ex-Emir of Qatar. It has held a range of major events, such as AFC Asian Cup final that took place in 2011. In 2022, it will be used for the FIFA World Cup. According to the GSAS, the stadium deserves a 4-star rating. Moreover, it was the first stadium to be awarded such a high rating.
It was constructed in 1976, and in twenty-nine years it was significantly renovated, which allowed increasing its capacity up to 40,000 from 20,000. That was preparation for Asian Games that took place on the ground in 2006.
Thanks to the renovation, the western side of Khalifa International Stadium is now covered with a roof. There is also an arch built on the eastern side.
Before the stadium was renovated, it had mainly been used by football clubs. However, it also had enough facilities for different kinds of sports.
Today, it is used by matches and training of the national football team. It was also used for the match between Brazil and the UK that took place in 2009, for the match between Argentina and Brazil that was held 2010, as well as for a range of athletics games. The reopening of the stadium after redevelopment took place in 2017.
FAQ
Khalifa International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Doha, Qatar. It’s one of the main venues for international sporting events in the country, including football matches and athletics competitions.
The stadium was originally opened in 1976. However, it underwent a major renovation and modernization process, which was completed in 2017 in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The stadium is named after Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, who was the Emir of Qatar from 1972 to 1995.
After its renovation, the stadium has a capacity of approximately 40,000 spectators for football matches.
The stadium has hosted numerous significant events, including:
multiple matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup;
the 2019 World Athletics Championships;
the Gulf Cup of Nations (multiple times);
the AFC Asian Cup (in 2011).
One of the most notable features of the stadium is its advanced cooling technology. The entire stadium, including the field of play, spectator stands, and concourses, is cooled using environmentally-friendly cooling technology. This allows for comfortable conditions for players and spectators even in Qatar’s hot climate.
Yes, the stadium is designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. It features dedicated seating areas, accessible entrances, and facilities to accommodate spectators with various needs.
The stadium is well-connected to Doha’s public transportation system. It can be accessed via the Doha Metro, with the Sport City station on the Gold Line being the closest to the stadium. There are also bus services and taxi drop-off points available.
