The Largest Venue to Host FIFA 2034 - King Salman Stadium in Riyadh Design Unveiled by Populous

The design and masterplan of King Salman Stadium by Populous has been show to the public. King Salman Stadium is located in northern Riyadh adjacent to King Abdulaziz Park. It is planned to be the largest capacity stadium and the main home of the Saudi Arabian national football team. Developed in collaboration with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Ministry of Sports. It is planned to be completed by the end of 2029, later this place will also be announced as one of the main locations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup event where Saudi Arabia itself will host the event. Saudi Arabia in this case will build a number of 11 new stadiums spread across various locations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom which has not been built. Populous itself in this case has also been appointed to design several of these places including Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a new venue planned for Qiddiya City which is equipped with extensive technological features and Aramco Stadium which will later host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

King Salman Stadium in Riyadh by Populous (cr: Populous)

King Salman Stadium in Riyadh by Populous (cr: Populous)

The design offered by King Salman Stadium is inspired and adapted from the topography of the surrounding environment and follows the symbolic concept of each new place in the masterplan that has been envisioned. It has a gross seating capacity of more than 92,000 which is set to be the largest sports venue in the country. The facilities in this stadium include facilities such as Royal Box, hospitality skyboxes and lounges, 300 VVIP seats and 2,200 VIP seats.

King Salman Stadium in Riyadh by Populous (cr: Populous)

The design of the King Salman Stadium masterplan regulates a wider area around the stadium which ensures convenient access and accommodates various events and daily activities throughout the year. There are also various other supporting activities such as an athletic stadium, training facilities, and a community sports park that supports the promotion of grassroots participation. There are also additional facilities including an aquatic center and a multi-purpose sports hall. In the future, the indoor sports hall and community sports park will also be connected to the construction of King Abdulaziz Park.

King Salman Stadium in Riyadh by Populous (cr: Populous)

As General Manager of Populous KSA, Shireen Hamdan explained that this development will create a state-of-the-art sports facility that will eventually aim to unite athleticism and the environment and can inspire everyone involved in it. To achieve this, the design team has taken natural patterns and elements directly as inspiration. Translating the design philosophy to reflect a commitment to state-of-the-art infrastructure while respecting the intrinsic relationship between sustainable development, human activity and nature.

King Salman Stadium in Riyadh by Populous (cr: Populous)

King Salman Stadium in Riyadh by Populous (cr: Populous)

The King Salman Stadium is designed to accommodate more than 92,000 spectators for various sporting and entertainment events while continuing to refer to international football standards. The stadium has compact seating to optimize the sensation of an amazing experience for spectators. The west stand is prioritized as seating for Royals, VVIPs and VIPs while on the opposite side in the east stand there are various other seating options and skyboxes around the stadium. General admission tickets are available on the upper and lower levels. The meeting rooms are designed to accommodate efficient circulation and accessibility.