King Abdullah Sports City (KASC), located 30 kilometers north of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, stands as a remarkable testament to the nation's commitment to sports and entertainment. Officially named after King Abdullah, the monarch of Saudi Arabia during its inauguration, the sports city is also fondly nicknamed "The Shining Jewel" or simply "The Jewel." This expansive, multi-use complex encompasses various sports facilities, with the jewel in its crown being the King Abdullah International Stadium.
The main stadium, with a staggering capacity of 62,241 spectators, serves as a pivotal venue for football and other sporting events. It is not only the largest stadium in Jeddah but also the second-largest in Saudi Arabia, following Riyadh's King Fahd Stadium. Globally, it ranks as the 10th largest stadium in the Arab world and stands among the notable stadiums in Asia. In addition to football matches, King Abdullah International Stadium has played a significant role by hosting matches during the prestigious 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
The construction bid for this grand project was successfully secured by Saudi Aramco, with the construction undertaken by a collaborative effort between Al Muhaidib Contracting Company and the Belgian construction firm BESIX Group. This strategic partnership ensured the realization of a world-class sports complex that meets international standards.
The dedication to safety and security is evident in the meticulous evaluation conducted by the project stakeholders. Saudi Aramco, in collaboration with Sword Security, assessed the performance of local staff and the event safety officer during the stadium's inaugural event. This thorough evaluation resulted in valuable recommendations for enhancing safety protocols and the appointment of a dedicated Stadium Manager.
The lush playing field of the stadium boasts a paspalum turfgrass known as Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum, provided by Atlas Turf International.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium made an association with WWE, where the stadium played host to the groundbreaking Greatest Royal Rumble event on April 27, 2018. With an audience exceeding 60,000, the event featured the first-ever 50-man Royal Rumble match, with Braun Strowman emerging as the victorious champion. This marked the beginning of a decade-long strategic partnership between WWE and the Saudi General Sports Authority in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, a testament to the stadium's role in supporting social and economic reforms in Saudi Arabia.
Following the success of the Greatest Royal Rumble, WWE returned to Jeddah on June 7, 2019, with Super ShowDown, featuring a historic 50-man Battle Royal and a main event showdown between The Undertaker and Goldberg. These events highlighted King Abdullah Sports City Stadium as a global destination for premier wrestling entertainment.
The stadium further diversified its international sports portfolio by hosting the final of the World Boxing Super Series: Cruiserweight tournament in May 2018. This marked a significant milestone in developing boxing in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's growing prominence in the world of sports. Despite a rescheduling of the event to July 21 in Moscow, the collaboration underscored the stadium's commitment to hosting major sports events.
In the realm of tennis, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium secured its position as a hub for elite competition. From 2023 to 2027, the stadium is set to host the Next Generation ATP Finals, showcasing its capability to host top-tier tennis events.
Beyond men's football, Al-Ittihad FC sponsors several other sports and fields, including a women's soccer team. The club's commitment to promoting diversity and giving female athletes opportunities is demonstrated by its inclusive attitude. The women's football squad participates in regional and national competitions, which helps to advance women's football in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ittihad FC's participation in women's football is consistent with larger social shifts and programmes that support gender parity in the kingdom. The club's investment in and support of women's sports enhances the sporting environment as a whole and significantly advances the accessibility and inclusivity of football for women in Saudi Arabia.
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