Saudi Arabia has released a series of stadium concepts ahead of its bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
The Kingdom first announced its intentions to host the historic competition after the sport’s governing body announced that only bidders from Asia or Oceania would be considered for 2034.
Following the announcement, the country decided to take the next step in growing its sporting empire, which has seen it branch out into football, golf and, perhaps most notably, boxing.
But football could be the focus in 10 years’ time, with increasing attention on the Saudi Pro League and plenty of money on offer to help the Middle Eastern nation raise its profile in the game.
Hosting a World Cup in the future, as that development progresses, could be the icing on the cake, as several stadiums have been proposed, including one 350 feet off the ground.
Saudi Arabia has unveiled stadium concepts for its 2034 World Cup bid, including a 92,000-seat mega-arena in Riyadh
Meanwhile, the potential Neom Stadium could be located 350 meters above ground level.
There are still several plots of land to be built on, some already existing but in need of construction.
In an executive summary released by the nation, 15 stadiums in five host cities were outlined: some built, some under construction and some planned.
The first proposed host city is Riyadh, which is the country’s capital and the hub where numerous sporting events have been held in the Kingdom.
Six stadiums have been proposed in Riyadh for use during the competition, including a 92,760-capacity ground due to be completed in 2029 and named the Kind Salman International Stadium.
According to the pitch, it will be the “largest stadium in Saudi Arabia and will become an important sports centre and home of the national team.”
The city also features the existing but under renovation King Fahad Sports Stadium, which seats over 70,000, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, the New Murabba Stadium, the Roshin Stadium and the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad City Stadium.
Six more stadiums are proposed in Jeddah, three of them existing or under construction and three of them planned.
In Al Khobar, the under-construction Armaco Stadium is being presented as a possible playing field, along with the King Khalid University Stadium, which is already located southeast of Abha.
The King Khalid University Stadium is one of the existing venues that could be used for the tournament.
King Fahd City Sports Stadium to be renovated but will be one of Riyadh’s main stadiums
Armaco Stadium, located north of Al Khobar, is already under construction
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will undergo reconstruction and will be ready in 2032
The Ne Murabba Stadium is scheduled to be built in 2032 and will have a rather attractive design.
In terms of design, the potential Roshn Stadium would deliver results like no other stadium in the world.
However, Neom could host the most striking stadium. The Neom stadium, which will be used until the quarter-finals phase, according to the official bid, will have its pitch “located more than 350 metres above the ground”.
“The stadium will be an unparalleled experience,” the text continues. “Surrounded by the city’s infrastructure, the stadium is designed to stand out among the world’s most iconic landmarks. After the tournament, it will be the home of NEOM’s professional football club and the central hub of the city’s sporting and active lifestyle program.”
Meanwhile, each field of the stadium includes information about each city, including future forecasts in terms of population and tourist numbers and what the country will look like in a decade.
The possible rounds that can be held are also detailed for each stadium, with the semi-finals and final to be held in Riyadh.
Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman, the most powerful man in Asian football, said of the bid: “The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success.”
Sources close to the corridors of power have told Mail Sport: “A Saudi World Cup in 2034 is not just likely, it is basically a fait accompli. Money has talked again and the event will mean billions of dollars in new cash for Fifa.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has insisted the bid is based on “the growth of people, football and connections around the world.”
“The bid is based primarily on the desire for growth; the growth of people, football and connections across the world,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wrote in the proposal. “Hosting the FIFA World Cup is an important step in the path of growth of the sports sector in the Kingdom, which has witnessed great progress and success in recent years.
This has helped to consolidate its position as an international destination for major sporting events. The hosting of the FIFA World Cup will culminate the Kingdom’s efforts in the sector.