Al Qadsiah’s European-style Aramco Stadium set for action after Tijjani Reijnders deal

Al Qadsiah supporters were given two major reasons to celebrate on Wednesday, 19 August, with the signing of Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from Manchester City followed by a significant update on the club’s new home, Aramco Stadium.

Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah reported that the stadium, which will host Al Qadsiah’s matches, is close to being ready after the installation of its playing surface was completed.

The pitch has been transported and laid using the latest specialist technology employed in the construction of major sports venues around the world. Its completion means the stadium is now approaching operational readiness for competitive matches.

Aramco Stadium will have a capacity of about 47,000 spectators. The venue has been designed to accommodate all sections of the community, including families, children, older supporters and people with disabilities.

It will also feature upgraded hospitality facilities and digital services intended to make it easier for fans to enter, move around and access different areas of the stadium.

Supporters will be able to enter through 15 internal gates, which will be supported by smart crowd-management systems. Advanced measures have also been introduced to organise the movement of spectators and reduce congestion before and after events.

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The report also highlighted several systems more commonly associated with modern European stadiums. The playing surface includes technology designed to draw away rainwater and speed up drainage, helping to limit the impact of heavy rainfall on matches.

Aramco Stadium will have a ventilation system linked to an air-conditioning network with a capacity of 22,500 tonnes of cooling. The system is intended to cover all areas of the ground and maintain suitable conditions for spectators and players.

Airflow throughout the venue was carefully calibrated during the design process using advanced simulation technology. The aim is to provide high levels of comfort and efficiency, including during difficult weather conditions.

The stadium update came on the same day as Al Qadsiah completed the signing of Reijnders from Manchester City, making the Netherlands international the club’s most prominent new arrival in a day of encouraging developments for its supporters.

Al Qadsiah are preparing for their first appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite, and the club is seeking to ensure that its facilities and wider preparations match the ambition of competing at Asia’s highest level.

The stadium’s features were also outlined in a post attributed to Al Riyadiyah, which said its capacity of approximately 47,000 would provide an environment designed for all groups, from families and children to older people and supporters with disabilities. The post additionally referred to the venue’s advanced hospitality facilities and digital services intended to simplify access and movement inside the stadium.