The 974 Stadium, built for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is now being torn apart. The stadium was built in record time for the tournament, and being the first-ever stadium that can be dismantled, is being deconstructed.
‘974’ is the long distance code for calling Qatar, and also refers to the number of steel containers that were used to erect the stadium for the World Cup. The cooling system used in the stadium redistributed the breeze from the Persian Gulf, which is 10 km East of downtown Doha.
974 Stadium now extinct following 2022 World Cup
The first match played at the stadium was between Mexico and Poland during the group stage. Its official capacity was 44,089 which was among the lower ones in the city.
The use of recyclable materials has allowed for the stadium to be dismantled, and has also minimised the cost it took to construct the ground. The estimated cost was about $200 million, and the site is now expected to become a site for an oil company.
The last match was Brazil’s victory over Korea in the Round of 16. Fixtures such as Portugal vs Ghana, France vs Denmark, Brazil vs Switzerland, Poland vs Argentina and Serbia vs Switzerland were also played there.
As of now, it is unclear as to where the recycled materials from the 974 Stadium will be sent to. Or, what will become of the site of the stadium. But, it is a testament to the technological innovation of the 21st century that a stadium can be completely dismantled in the way it is now, amongst conversations over sustainability becoming more frequent.
