With only three years and two months until the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is busy with preparations to host the world’s biggest sporting event. Each of the eight stadiums and all 41 training sites will feature Platinum TE™ Paspalum turfgrass. Through extensive testing by Aspire Sports Turf of Qatar and international sports turf consulting firm STRI, Platinum TE proved to be more durable and shade tolerant than the other varieties tested as well as quicker to establish and grow-in.
“Platinum TE is meeting all of the performance requirements set for FIFA World Cup standards.
John Holmes, President
Atlas Turf International
Atlas Turf International, the world’s leading supplier of quality turfgrasses, provided the licensed and certified Platinum TE for all 2022 FIFA World Cup facilities. Earlier in his career, Atlas Turf president John Holmes helped to perfect the process of shipping live turfgrass stolons. This process makes it possible for golf and sports field locations around the globe to access the benefits of specialty turfgrasses developed in the United States, such as Platinum TE Paspalum.
So far, Platinum TE for five of the eight stadiums and most of the training sites has been delivered. To accommodate the construction schedules, the grassing process begins with planting the stolons near each facility in a prepared nursery. When the field is ready, the established Platinum TE is harvested from the nursery for sodding in the stadium or training facility.
Recently in Qatar, Holmes visited the facilities and found that Platinum TE continues to live up to the expectations of the host committee staff.
“Just as the initial research predicted, Platinum TE is meeting all of the performance requirements set for FIFA World Cup standards,” said Holmes. “In this environment, Platinum TE is delivering excellent wear tolerance, consistent dark green color, and the ability to grow in the low light conditions of semi-enclosed stadiums.”
In addition to supplying Platinum TE Paspalum, Atlas Turf is collaborating with seed partner Pure Seed of Oregon to provide ryegrass for overseeding many of the World Cup stadium fields and pitches.
2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Stadium Overview
Al Bayt Stadium
- Seating capacity of 60,000
- Located in Al Khor
- Will host matches through the semi-finals
- Design of the stadium inspired by the bayt al sha’ar, tents traditionally used by the nomadic people of Qatar
Al Janoub Stadium
- Seating capacity of 40,000
- Located in Al Wakrah
- Will host matches through the quarter-final matches
- Design of the stadium inspired by the shape of the traditional dhow boat used in fishing towns like Al Wakrah
- First new stadium commissioned for 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Al Janoub Stadium hosted the Amir Cup Final in May 2019
Al Rayyan Stadium
- Seating capacity 40,000
- Located in Al Rayyan
- Will host matches through the quarter-finals
Education City Stadium
- Seating capacity of 40,000
- Located outside of Doha in Qatar’s university and research hub
- Will host matches through the quarter-finals
Al Thumama Stadium
- Seating capacity of 40,000
- Located near Doha
- Will host matches through the quarter-finals
- Design of the stadium inspired by the gahfiya headdress worn by men in the region
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
- Seating capacity of 40,000
- Located near Doha
- Will host matches through the quarter-finals
Lusail Stadium
- Seating capacity of 80,000
- Located in Lusail City
- Will host matches through the finals
- Design of the stadium inspired by the fanar lantern
Khalifa International Stadium
- Seating capacity of 40,000
- Located in Doha
- Will host matches through the quarter-finals
- Stadium originally built in 1976 and renovated for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Recently hosted the Gulf Cup, the Asian Games, the AFC Asian Cup
Qatar will reduce many of the stadiums following the 2022 FIFA World Cup with as much as half of the seating being donated to developing countries to provide infrastructure and build sporting programs. The new stadiums feature state-of-the-art technology, including the most advanced cooling systems. A focus on sustainability earned Al Janoub and Al Bayt stadiums Class A ratings from the Global Sustainability Assessment System.
Qatar recently unveiled the official emblem of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
