Saudi Arabia eyes world’s first ‘sky stadium’ within futuristic NEOM city: Reports
Riyadh: Social media has been abuzz with reports that Saudi Arabia is planning to build the world’s first “sky stadium” — a football arena suspended 350 metres above the desert within its futuristic NEOM megacity project.
According to reports circulating online, the proposed NEOM Sky Stadium will seat around 46,000 spectators, be powered by solar and wind energy, and could host matches during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia is set to host. Construction is reportedly expected to begin in 2027 and finish by 2032, in line with the country’s preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament.
There's been no mention of the "sky stadium" in legacy Saudi media, as reported by Gulf News on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, several online reports citing Construction Review, claim that the NEOM Sky Stadium will be integrated into The Line, the linear smart city under the NEOM project. The magazine also claimed that the NEOM Sky stadium will be the "world’s first sky stadium” for the 2034 World Cup glory.
"The stadium is suspended at an astonishing 350 meters (1,150 feet) above the desert floor within the futuristic NEOM city of The Line", the magazine added.
An aerial projection of how the stadium would look like has gone viral on social media.
https://twitter.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/1982894966352556302
FIFA has reportedly given preliminary endorsement to the Sky Stadium project, recognising its potential to establish new benchmarks for environmentally friendly sports venues. The stadium’s proposed location, near NEOM’s Health and Well-Being District and University zone, is envisioned as a hub for sports and recreation.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
