By Humberto Viera
Aug 22, 2024, 2:38 PM EDT
The architectural firm Populous, known for designing some of the most iconic stadiums in the world, was chosen to create the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, an impressive project that will have a capacity for 115,000 spectators and which, according to the firm itself, will be ready to host the final of the 2030 World Cup,
This capacity will allow Morocco’s stadium to position itself as one of the largest in the world, being fully compatible with FIFA’s requirements for the massive event that Morocco will organize jointly with Spain and Portugal.
In a recent statement reported by EFE, the company highlighted that the design of the stadium is inspired by the rich Moroccan culture, taking as a reference the traditional tents used in the “musem” festivals. Surrounded by a wooded area, the stadium will not only be a first-class sports center, but also a space that will reflect the traditions and geography of the country.
“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 musem, the shop and the garden – as well as in the topography and landscapes of Morocco,” said Tarik Oualalou, design director and lead architect of the project in a statement reported by the note.
Among the stadium’s key features, Populous detailed that it will feature three steep and compact stands at either end of the pitch, each with a capacity of 29,500 spectators. Additionally, along the main stands, there will be five levels of hospitality that can accommodate 12,000 people, including VVIP zones, hospitality areas, boxes and a royal box. The stadium’s roof will be covered in aluminium, adding a modern element to the design.
Financing for the project was approved in October 2023, and preparations to begin construction are already underway. The stadium will be built on a vast area of 100 hectares, in the town of Mansouria, located in the province of Benslimane, about 38 kilometers north of Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco.
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