King Fahd International Stadium
King Fahd International Stadium, Where Tradition Meets Innovation Under Birdair's PTFE Roofing Mastery
Fabric Type: PTFE Fiberglass
Market Sector: Stadiums / Arenas
Project Size: 500,000 sq.ft.
Architect: Ian Fraser, John Roberts & Partners
Engineer: Geiger-Berger Associates
Owner: Presidency of Youth Welfare
General Contractor: Phillip Holzmann AG
Completion Date: April 1, 1986
King Fahd Stadium, an iconic sporting arena in Saudi Arabia, has stood as a symbol of national pride since its inauguration in 1986. Located in the capital city of Riyadh, it is the largest stadium in the country, boasting a seating capacity of over 64,000 spectators. What makes this architectural marvel even more remarkable is the giant flower-like design created by 500,000 square feet of a Birdair
PTFE-coated fiberglass roofing system, that was added to the stadium, transforming it into a modern and climate-controlled venue.
This innovative addition not only shields spectators from the scorching desert sun but also gives the stadium a striking aesthetic appeal. King Fahd Stadium has events and continues to be a vibrant center for sports and entertainment, uniting people in the spirit of competition and celebration under the comfort of the Birdair canopy.
From outside, the roof surface, measuring over 30,000 square meters, appears to be a pure membrane structure, but, in fact, it has a clear self-sufficient primary structure made of masts and cables as well as a separately-attached secondary structure made of PTFE-coated fiberglass membrane with edge cables. The white tents arranged in a circle to form a giant flower that make up the roof over the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh tell of the vastness of the desert, of the power and beauty of physical laws, and are reminiscent of Bedouin tents. They protect the from the sun and heat and create a pleasant and cozy atmosphere in the giant athletics and soccer stadium.
