Aramco Stadium Unveiled: $390 Million, 47,000-Seat Venue in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Populous, a sports venue architecture specialist, has unveiled new designs for the Aramco Stadium and surrounding masterplan in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The new designs for the $390 million Aramco Stadium were unveiled recently.

The 47,000-seat stadium is expected to play host to football (soccer) matches during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. It could also host the 2034 World Cup.

The stadium will meet FIFA standards, allowing it to host World Cup matches up to the quarterfinal round.

800,000 square meters will be covered by the stadium and masterplan surrounding it, which will include retail areas, entertainment zones, community sports facilities, and more.

Aerial view of Aramco Stadium The location of Al Khobar on the shores of the Arabian Gulf in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia served as the inspiration for the design of the venue’s exterior, which was inspired by natural patterns like waves and spirals.

In the seating bowl and certain concourse areas, it will have a cooling system for players and spectators. For concerts and other entertainment events, it can also be expanded to hold 55,000 people at its maximum capacity.

“This world-class stadium development spans nearly a square kilometer, creating a seamless connection between the venue and the Sports City district,” stated Rhys Courtney, senior principal and lead architect for the project at Populous.

It will provide opportunities for leisure, grassroots sports, and elite-level sports. This project is one of the most ambitious of its kind worldwide in terms of scale and facilities, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of making Al Khobar one of the world’s top sporting destinations.