By LUKE EDWARDS
RABAT - Plans to build the world’s biggest football stadium, which may host the 2030 World Cup final, have been revealed with the release of spectacular images of the proposed site in Morocco.
The venue would be the jewel of the crown in the joint bid to stage the competition from Morocco, Portugal and Spain. The stadium, one of the most high spec sporting venues on the planet, would have a capacity of 115,000.
Designed by Paris-based architects Oualalou + Choi and renowned stadium construction firm Populous, it is said to draw “inspiration from the traditional social gathering of Morocco known as a “moussem”, with the stadium structure set under a grand tented roof that emerges as a dramatic intervention in the forested landscape.”
Three steep, tiered stands will hold 29,500 spectators and there will be five levels of hospitality and corporate seating that can accommodate 12,000 guests and VIP visitors in the Royal Box.
The tented roof will constructed using aluminum lattice and the stadium will be surrounded by gardens, giving the impression that it is a huge oasis in the desert.
Populous has built some of the most world’s impressive sports stadium, such as Tottenham’s new home and Wembley, both in north London, the Accor Stadium in Sydney, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and Olympique Lyonnais’ Groupama Stadium and training centre in Lyon, France.
Christopher Lee, managing director at Populous for the EMEA region, said: “We are very proud to work alongside our partners Oualalou + Choi on this incredible project. The Grand Stade Hassan II will be a truly iconic, landmark venue for Morocco and for football itself, that will become one of the great stadia of the world.”
Tarik Oualalou, Design Principal and founding partner at Oualalou + Choi and lead architect for the project, added: “The Grand Stade Hassan II is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, with its traditions and contemporary expressions.
“It is rooted in ancient and primordial figures: the Moussem, the tent and the garden, as well as the topography and landscapes of Morocco.
“It’s a generous space, open to the world and respectful to the nature it protects. The Grand Stade Hassan II de Casablanca is the embodiment of the great tradition of Moroccan hospitality.”