Lusail Iconic Stadium

The stadium was designed by British firm Foster + Partners, who received support from MANICA Architecture specializing in sport design.[3] In the construction phase, KEO Consultants provided design services to the Contractor as part of its Design & Build. KEO were replaced in 2018. The design includes an almost circular base and will be surrounded by a moat and be connected to the car park by six bridges.[3]

The stadium has a capacity of 80,000 seats.[6] It has a near-circular footprint and sits on the masterplan's primary axis, which divides the stadium precinct into two halves. Encircled by a reflective pool of water, spectators cross the 'moat' to enter the building via six bridges. An outer pedestrian concourse extends from the water towards an array of smaller amenity buildings and a hotel at the stadium's perimeter. The British designers sought to mirror the ancient Arab craft of bowl weaving in the stadium's inner structure.[7]

The saddle-form roof appears to float above the concrete seating bowl, discreetly supported by a ring of arching columns. Its central section can be retracted to allow the pitch to be either open to the sky or fully covered. The concave profile of the stadium's outer enclosure evokes the sails of a traditional dhow boat and incorporates a system of operable louvres. Inside, the seating bowl is designed to enhance the experience and atmosphere for spectators: VIP and hospitality accommodation is concentrated along the sides of the pitch to create a continuous sea of fans behind each goal.[8][9]

Located in the centre of a new development to the north of Doha, with direct connections by road and a new metro line, Lusail Iconic Stadium is intended to be a catalyst for development growth of Lusail city.[7] Parking and service areas are shaded by canopies of solar collectors, which will produce energy for the stadium when it is in use, as well as generating power for neighbouring buildings.[10]

The stadium was scheduled for completion in 2020 and will host three friendly matches until the 2022 World Cup.[6]

Following the World Cup, it is expected to be reconfigured into a 40,000-seat stadium. Excess seating will be removed, and other parts of the building repurposed as a community space with shops, cafés, athletic and education facilities, and a health clinic.[7]

• Lusail Sports Arena