Stadiums to offer perfect stage for Asia’s finest
3rd January 2019
Abu Dhabi: Eight prestigious stadiums across the UAE are ready to welcome fans following significant improvements ahead of the biggest ever AFC Asian Cup.
The eight stadiums will welcome teams from across the Continent, in what will be the competition’s biggest-ever tournament.
In just three days’ time, hosts United Arab Emirates will face Bahrain at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Saturday, at 8.00pm.
The capital city will be the backdrop for both the opening game and the highly-anticipated final, with 20 matches taking place across three stadiums in Abu Dhabi throughout the four-week tournament.
The historic and iconic Zayed Sports City is the tournament’s centerpiece stadium, with a capacity of 43,000 making it the largest venue for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Situated just 20km from Abu Dhabi International Airport, the easily accessible stadium has played host to several international events from prestigious football and sporting finals, to concerts from some of the world’s biggest music stars.
Welcoming eight nations to the capital city for the group stage, Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium has seen numerous enhancements and capacity increases in recent years, now allowing over 40,000 in the multi-purpose stadium capable of hosting both football and cricket matches.
Completing the makeup of venues in Abu Dhabi is Al Nahyan Stadium, a sporting arena which has undergone significant enhancements ahead of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, as it gears up to host five matches during the tournament.
Speaking of the stadiums across the UAE, Tournament Director for the Local Organising Committee, His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, commented: “Significant enhancements have taken place across venues in each host city to ensure that teams and supporters have the best facilities throughout this tournament with the eyes of Asia and beyond watching with excitement.
“With 51 games taking place in the biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup, venues have the latest technology to ensure perfect playing conditions, as we bring the latest in grass and pitch technology to the region for the first time.
“Each stadium has its own character and qualities, from being up close to the action in compact venues, to excellent elevated views of matches in some of the biggest stadiums in the region.”
Another stadium with impressive enhancements is Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. Now boasting state-of-the-art facilities, the all-seater stadium is located close to Dubai airport and the city’s metro line, allowing supporters easy access to the 15,000-capacity stadium which will host six matches during the tournament.
Also hosting games in Dubai, Rashid Stadium is situated across the water of Dubai Creek and will set the stage for five matches throughout Asia’s crown jewel.
Close to the two stadiums in Dubai, host city Sharjah will see seven Arabic nations compete in the five group stage matches which will be held in the 11,000 capacity Sharjah Stadium.
In Al Ain, just over an hour’s drive from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, fans of 10 different competing nations will enjoy the group stage action at the impressive Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, which will also host three knockout stage contests, including one of the semi-finals.
Home to Al Ain FC, the 25,000 all-seater stadium has won numerous awards for its architecture and facilities, impressing with its white paneled design representing a palm tree, with the ability to light up in a plethora of colours.
Meanwhile, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium has undergone restructuring, allowing 16,000 fans to relish six exciting matches in the multi-purpose stadium.
Tickets are in high demand for the matches at each of the eight impressive stadiums and supporters are encouraged to secure them online via www.asiancup2019.com to avoid disappointment.
Source: the-afc.com