Saudi Arabia has unveiled ambitious plans to construct the King Salman Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility with a seating capacity of 92,000. Set to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2029, the stadium will be located in the northern part of Riyadh, adjacent to King Abdulaziz Park. The project, spearheaded by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Ministry of Sports, aims to bolster the Kingdom’s status as a leading sports hub and provide a world-class venue for major sporting events and activities.
The King Salman Stadium is poised to become one of the largest sports arenas globally, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing its sports infrastructure. The stadium will cover an impressive area exceeding 660,000 square meters and will feature a variety of amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience. These include commercial centers, recreational areas, and internal gardens, making the stadium an attractive destination for visitors from both inside and outside the Kingdom.
The stadium’s design draws inspiration from the mountainous terrain concept, seamlessly integrating with King Abdulaziz Park through a valley that intersects the surrounding green spaces. This innovative design not only meets FIFA’s requirements but also upholds standards of sustainability and architectural excellence. The stadium will boast sustainable cooling systems for both the audience seats and the playing field, ensuring a comfortable environment for spectators and athletes alike.
In addition to its impressive seating capacity, the stadium will feature a royal box with 150 seats, 120 hospitality suites, 300 VIP seats, and 2,200 seats for dignitaries. An array of screens will surround the upper stadium interior, enhancing the viewing experience for all attendees. The stadium’s roof will also include a walking track with a spectacular view of King Abdulaziz Park, offering visitors an exceptional experience.
Enhancing Sports and Recreation
The King Salman Stadium is part of a larger sports complex that will include several surrounding sports facilities over an area exceeding 360,000 square meters. These facilities will cater to various sports activities for all age groups, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among the Kingdom’s residents. Key features of the complex include two auxiliary training fields, fan zones, an indoor sports hall, an Olympic swimming pool, and an athletics track.
Outdoor courts for volleyball, basketball, and padel will also be available, providing ample opportunities for recreational activities. All these facilities will be connected by a 9-kilometer sports trail around King Abdulaziz Park, encouraging visitors to explore and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The comprehensive sports complex aims to support athlete development and enhance the performance of Saudi athletes, significantly bolstering the Kingdom’s status as a leading sports hub.
The stadium’s strategic location in northern Riyadh, along King Salman Road, ensures easy access from all parts of the city. Its proximity to key city locations such as King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh Metro station, and major road networks further enhances its accessibility. This makes the stadium a compelling destination for both local and international visitors, contributing to the overall development of Riyadh as a global city.
A Commitment to Excellence
The construction of the King Salman Stadium reflects the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their vision for the stadium aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and promote a vibrant society.
The stadium’s design and facilities were selected from several submissions by six international companies, ensuring that the final design meets the highest standards of sustainability and architectural excellence. The inclusion of green walls and ceilings spanning over 96,500 square meters aligns with environmental sustainability and green building standards, establishing the stadium as a distinctive global sports architectural icon.
In conclusion, the King Salman Stadium is set to become a landmark in Saudi Arabia’s sports infrastructure, providing a world-class venue for major sporting events and activities. With its innovative design, comprehensive facilities, and strategic location, the stadium will enhance Riyadh’s quality of life and elevate the city’s global ranking as one of the best cities to live in the world. The project underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to excellence and its vision for a prosperous and dynamic future.
