Images: Gensler
Egyptian football club Al Ahly has revealed plans for a new 42,000-capacity stadium that will form part of a larger, multi-use sports city destination.
Gensler has partnered with Buro Happold and Egyptian firm El Qalaa El Hamraa to design the stadium, which will seek to become a “national landmark” for Egypt. The capacity of the stadium will be expandable to more than 57,000 when hosting concerts.
It will feature 72 VVIP private suites, 80 VIP luxury stadium suites, and 73 premium suites. The stadium will be located close to Sphinx International Airport, connecting Cairo to Alexandria.
The stadium is expected to open in 2029. The wider Al-Ahly Club Sports City complex will also feature a university, hospital and mosque.
Al Ahly unveiled the plans on Friday during the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour in Cairo. Al Ahly will take on Inter Miami in the opening match of the Club World Cup on June 14.
The stadium would become the first permanent home for Al Ahly, which currently plays matches at the 74,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium.
Al Ahly received approval to begin work on a new stadium on the outskirts of Cairo back in April 2021. The club had held plans for a 60,000-capacity stadium, but engineering restrictions have led to this vision being scaled back.
Gensler’s design for the stadium has addressed height restrictions imposed by the nearby airport’s flight paths. A partially submerged design has been presented, sinking the pitch the minimum amount necessary below ground level, which Gensler claims marks a first for a stadium design.
The sunken bowl will also leverage cooler earth temperatures to reduce ambient heat and achieve sustainability. The standout feature of the stadium is a huge structural arch that will support the roof. Other features include an asymmetric bowl design, with double-tiered stands on the west, north and south sides.
The stadium also features the ‘Owners’ Plaza’, which will serve as a gathering space for fans and will host up to 30,000 people. It will feature a team shop, cafes and a club museum.
In addition, the stadium will offer premium experiences such as The Field VIP, which will provide access to the players’ tunnel. At night, the stadium will showcase its digital façade and illuminated roof.
Tayomara Gama, sports leader, Europe at Gensler, said: “We are proud to partner with El Qalaa El Hamraa and Buro Happold on this monumental project, which will serve as the new home for Al-Ahly Football Club. By overcoming site challenges and integrating sustainable, cutting-edge solutions, our design aims to create a landmark venue that embodies the spirit of the club and acts as a cultural and economic catalyst for the region, leaving a lasting impact both in Egypt and beyond.”
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