The Al Rayyan Stadium is just two days away from inauguration for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

On Qatar National Day this Friday, the stadium will open its doors for the first time when it plays host to the Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi.

The stadium which will become the new home of Al Rayyan Sports Club follows Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City in becoming ready to host the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.

A pre-match press conference took place at Al Rayyan Venue on Wednesday, 16 December, where organisers provided details regarding the match. At the press conference, it was said that fans who are planning to attend Friday’s match, should take note of the following information in order to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The match will kick-off at 7 pm.

With regards to tickets:

• Tickets for the match have sold out.
• Al Rayyan Venue will operate at 50% capacity.
• All fans who attend the match must present either a negative COVID-19 test or a positive COVID-19 antibody test prior to being allowed into the stadium.
• On match day, fans need to bring their ticket, QID and text message from the MOPH with details of their COVID-19 test result.
• Tickets for the final are limited to one per person and will be linked to the QID of the purchaser. Tickets are non-transferable.

With regards to COVID-19 precautions:

• Al Rayyan Venue will operate at 50% capacity, as previously stated.
• Fans will be seated two seats apart.
• Wearing a mask at all times is mandatory.
• Fans are required to present a negative COVID-19 test or positive COVID-19 antibodies test in order to enter the stadium.
• Fans must have a green status on their Ehteraz app.
• Temperature checks will be conducted before entry to the stadium.
• Social distancing and regular handwashing is strongly encouraged.
• Food and beverage concessions will not operate in the stadium and fans will not be able to bring food and beverages inside.
• Food and beverages will only be available in the Fan Zone.
• Al Rayyan Venue is equipped with a clinic, which will be available to fans who display COVID-19 symptoms or other illnesses.

With regards to the Fan Zone:

• The Fan Zone will be operational from 4-6 pm and again from 9 pm.
• There will be a range of activities, performances and cultural offerings in the Fan Zone.
• Food and beverage trucks will be available.
• Activities include a bull rodeo, bungee trampoline, football billiards, 1-on-1 football, kick point and various others.
• Other entertainment will include a DJ, dancers and football freestyles.
• There will be performances from various community groups, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, Palestine and Sudan.
• Fans are encouraged to visit the Fan Zone after the match in order to give people time to board the Doha Metro.

With regards to transportation:

Traffic in and around Al Rayyan Stadium is expected to be heavy in the lead-up to the match. In addition, Doha Metro will experience many more passengers than usual. Fans are advised to arrive early and visit the Mall of Qatar or attend the Fan Zone before making their way to the stadium.

Fans are encouraged to travel by metro, car or taxi to the stadium. Al Riffa Station is just a five-minute walk to Al Rayyan Venue. It will take approximately 30 minutes to travel from central Doha to Al Riffa Station. Services will begin at 2 pm, with the last train leaving Al Riffa Station at midnight. Fans should expect longer waiting times than usual to board the metro, which will be operating at 30% capacity. Passengers are advised to spend time at the Fan Zone or Mall of Qatar both before and after the match in order to avoid long queues. Fans are encouraged to buy a travelcard in advance for a one-off cost of QR 10. Single journeys on the metro are QR 2.

For fans travelling by car, free parking will be available close to the stadium. The QR code on your match ticket will direct you to the relevant parking zone. Car parks will be open from 4 pm until two hours after the match. Fans travelling by car are recommended to arrive early and take their time getting home after the match, in order to avoid traffic.

In addition to parking close to the stadium, a park and ride service will be operational from Education City, with buses leaving every two minutes for Al Rayyan Venue.

A dedicated taxi area will also be available at the Mall of Qatar from 4 pm until two hours after the match. Fans travelling to the match by taxi are also recommended to come early, then spend time in the Mall of Qatar or Fan Zone after the match to avoid queues for a taxi ride home.

Disabled fans should note that Doha Metro is fully accessible and a great option to get to Al Rayyan Stadium. If travelling by car, accessible parking is available for those that have booked a space.

Source: Road to 2022
Cover image source: Road to 2022

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Vrinda Abilash

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