Qiddiya: Pioneering The Mother of all Stadiums
A stadium unlike anything you've ever seen, potentially embodying the future of sports as we know it...
(The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium will be located in Qiddya city on a 650-ft high cliff)
What is Qiddiya and Why Should you care?
Located near Riyadh, Qiddiya City, is a visionary giga-project in Saudi Arabia, and poised to become a global destination for entertainment, sports, and culture.
The scale and ambition of the project is mind blowing: Qiddiya covers an area of approximately 334 square kilometers (about 129 square miles). This vast space is almost the size of Las Vegas and significantly larger than Disney World in Orlando, Florida, which is around 101 square kilometers. Once complete, Qiddiya City will include 60,000 buildings, housing over 600,000 people, and providing more than 325,000 job opportunities. With stunning views of the Tuwaiq mountains, the city will feature a video gaming headquarters, motorsports area, Formula 1 racetrack, golf courses, the largest Six Flags theme park, water park, music festivals, and various sports competitions.
And Now A New Stadium Emerges in Qiddiya - Reimagining just about everything… (for today’s fan)
Last week, Qiddiya announced and shared renderings in collaboration with Populous, of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium. The stadium's groundbreaking design and multifunctional capabilities reflect the overarching vision of Qiddiya to be a world-class destination that pushes the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and cultural experiences.
Per Populous: “The stadium is set to be the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable roof, pitch and LED wall – an architectural innovation offering unparalleled versatility and allowing the space to transform into different ‘event modes’ in a matter of hours. This LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and laser shows, offering guests a novel, immersive experience with each visit. When not activated, it will open to reveal breathtaking views of Qiddiya City.
Guests will be able to enjoy multiple spectacles in a single day, including football, boxing, esports, concerts, and theatre performances to name a few. The stadium will employ cutting-edge technology to provide fans with instant access to live data and information including the use of state-of-the-art holographic technology, enabling virtual interactions with celebrities and stars.
Commenting on the launch, Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company said: “…The futuristic venue aims to reinvent the traditional stadium concept and embody the true spirit of Qiddiya’s Power of Play philosophy. It uses state-of-the-art technology and innovative, world-leading design to put the spectator at the centre of the experience”
As a central venue in an urban entertainment district, this uniquely versatile space promises an extended play experience with direct and convenient access to Qiddiya City’s vibrant Gaming & Esport District, as well as other city entertainment options. Integrated into the city fabric through a variety of transportation choices including park ’n ride and drop-off zones, the stadium is also within direct proximity to 50,000 square meters of shopping, dining and entertainment spaces as well as hotel options.
The 45,000 seat multi-functional stadium is fully compliant with FIFA requirements for club and international competition. Once open, it will serve as the home ground of Saudi Pro League football clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr and is one of the proposed venues for the Kingdom’s 2034 FIFA World Cup bid. It is also poised to host some of the region’s biggest sports events including the Saudi King Cup, the Asian Cup and possibly the 2034 Asian Games.”
RETRACTABLE ROOF
LED PANELS
FROM SOCCER PITCH
TO E-SPORTS ARENA
TO CONCERT VENUE
DISRUPTIVE PLAY - WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT WHAT THIS STADIUM MEANS FOR THE POTENTIAL INFLUENCE ON GAME FORMATS, YOUNG AUDIENCES & GLOBAL FANDOM
1) Potential Influence on Sports Formats and Gameplay:
Dynamic Rule Adjustments: Consider a future where sports rules can be dynamically adjusted based on audience engagement or specific event contexts, challenging the static nature of traditional sports rules and enhancing the unpredictability and excitement of games.
Fan-Led Leagues and Tournaments: Imagine leagues or tournaments where fans have a say in team formations, player selections, or even match locations through digital platforms, democratizing sports management and giving audiences a direct stake in the game's narrative.
Crossover Sports Events: Contemplate the rise of crossover sports events, where athletes from different disciplines compete in mixed-format games, breaking down the silos of traditional sports and creating new, hybrid sports genres.
2) Potential Influence on Attracting Young Audiences and Shaping Future Generations:
Multifaceted Entertainment Experience Fostering a Sense of Community and Belonging: The stadium is not just a sports venue; it's an entertainment hub. Young fans can enjoy a variety of spectacles in a single day, ranging from football, boxing, and esports to concerts and theater performances. This versatility caters to the diverse interests of the younger generation that can foster a sense of community and belonging, vital for the social development of younger audiences.
Technological Innovation: The use of cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art holographic technology, offers a new level of engagement. Fans can enjoy virtual interactions with celebrities and stars, enhancing their experience beyond the traditional spectator role.
Immersive and Interactive: The design and technology of the stadium promise an immersive and interactive experience. This aligns with the preferences of younger audiences who seek engagement that goes beyond passive viewing, offering them a more dynamic and participatory experience.
3) Potential Influence on Driving Global Innovation and Enhancing Fan Experiences:
Redefining Stadium Experiences: The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium sets a new benchmark for stadium design globally. Its focus on technology and multifunctionality can inspire other venues around the world to rethink how they engage with audiences.
Inspiration for Future Projects: This project can serve as a blueprint for future sports and entertainment venues, encouraging innovation in architectural design, fan engagement, and technological integration.
Global Trendsetter: As a part of the larger Qiddiya project, this stadium is positioned to be a global attraction, setting trends in how sports and entertainment can be merged and presented to audiences worldwide.
It’s for sure an exciting time in Sport and the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium (whenever complete) has the potential to revolutionize sports and entertainment experiences, drive global innovation, and particularly resonate with young audiences, shaping the future of fan engagement and experiences.
What are your thoughts? Would you visit ?