Al-Ahly Soccer Membership, considered one of Africa’s most profitable and historic groups, is ready to ascertain its first devoted dwelling by an revolutionary stadium undertaking. Designed by world structure studio Gensler in collaboration with El Qalaa El Hamraa and engineering agency Buro Happold, the 42,000-seat stadium guarantees to be a game-changer in sports activities structure, mixing cutting-edge sustainability, fan engagement, and nationwide significance.
Located between Cairo and Alexandria, close to the Sphinx Worldwide Airport, the stadium’s location posed distinctive challenges, significantly peak restrictions on account of flight paths. Gensler’s answer is {a partially} sunken pitch, minimizing above-ground peak whereas leveraging the earth’s pure cooling properties to boost sustainability. This pioneering method optimizes thermal regulation, lowering reliance on synthetic cooling, a major first in stadium structure. Moreover, this design minimizes the stadium’s visible influence whereas preserving unobstructed views of the encompassing panorama.
Designer: Gensler, Buro Happold, and Qalaa El Hamraa
The stadium’s design is outlined by a hanging structural arch supporting an uneven cable-net roof, creating an iconic silhouette. The uneven bowl, that includes double-tiered stands on three sides, ensures followers are nearer to the motion, amplifying the stadium environment. This dynamic design enhances sightlines and fan engagement whereas setting a brand new precedent in stadium structure. The roof construction not solely gives shade and climate safety but additionally reduces noise air pollution, enhancing the general spectator expertise.
Past its function as a soccer venue, the stadium goals to be a year-round vacation spot for followers. At its entrance, the ‘House owners’ Plaza’ serves as a grand gathering area, accommodating as much as 30,000 guests. That includes cafes, retail shops, and the Al-Ahly Museum, the plaza enriches the matchday expertise whereas celebrating the membership’s legacy. Designed to foster engagement past sport days, this multifunctional area will host cultural occasions, festivals, and public gatherings.
The stadium additionally incorporates fan-centric parts like The Discipline VIP, an unique hospitality space providing premium seating, connoisseur eating, and close-up views of the gamers’ tunnel. Moreover, a walkway adorned with inscribed bricks that includes membership members’ names fosters a deep sense of group and belonging. Premium lounges, luxurious packing containers, and interactive digital experiences make sure that followers in any respect ranges take pleasure in a world-class expertise.
Designed to be a landmark in Cairo’s skyline, the stadium’s exterior includes a digital facade and an illuminated roof able to displaying customizable projections. This ensures the venue stays visually hanging always, reinforcing Al-Ahly’s model id whereas providing dynamic sponsorship and leisure alternatives. At evening, the stadium transforms right into a glowing beacon seen from the air, making a long-lasting impression on guests and residents alike. The digital shows can be utilized to rejoice victories, broadcast stay matches, and showcase sponsor messages, including one other layer of interactivity to the venue.
As a part of the broader Al-Ahly Membership Sports activities Metropolis, the stadium will likely be built-in with further amenities, together with a college, hospital, and mosque. This multi-use growth goals to drive financial progress, entice tourism, and place the stadium as a cultural and social hub past sports activities. With devoted coaching amenities, wellness facilities, and group engagement applications, the complicated will function a hub for athletic and private growth.