The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) yesterday enjoyed a successful launch of its cooled, open-air fan zone, as fans from across Qatar and the region turned up to watch the last 16 of the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Showing all remaining matches until the final on July 13, the Brazil 2014 Fan Zone at Katara is not just about celebrating the most watched event in world football, but also to implement and test cooling technology that is part of the SC’s research and development efforts in the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

In line with a promise to deliver an amazing fan experience, the SC vowed the Fan Zone would cooled to an optimal temperature below 30 degrees Celsius during the scheduled match times utilising a range of technologies.

That milestone was reached yesterday evening when fans came along to the state-of-the-art Fan Zone to enjoy the matches between Brazil v Chile and Colombia v Uruguay.

Not only will the technology be used at the 2022 World Cup, it will also allow for countries with similar climates in the region to host major sporting events.

Four cooling columns, located at strategic points within the venue, deliver cooled air into the fan zone. The flexible cooling system then responds to different climatic conditions, using a range of delivery methods, including:

lDedicated ventilation units providing sufficient cooled air to meet the internal condition across all the zones;

lHigh level jet nozzles restrict prevailing winds, while low level diffusers provide comfort for the spectators;

lMechanically adjustable dampers regulating the air with an external weather station providing real time data;

lCooling mist injected in to the venue, enhancing the evaporative cooling effect.

The application of various cooling technologies at the Fan Zone will help SC engineers develop an understanding of how to create the perfect energy efficient system ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

Over time, the system will be further enhanced and refined as other technologies are developed, with SC engineers investigating the feasibility of utilizing cooling capabilities for a variety of environmentally beneficial purposes.

The fan zone features a fully retractable roof, allowing the SC to test and research the cooling technology in a range of climatic conditions.

The data collected during this testing phase will help ensure that efficient cooling technology is in place during the 2022 World Cup, and that the technology developed will leave a lasting legacy for the country and others with similar climatic conditions.

Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy competition venue director Ghanim al-Kuwari said: “With eight years to go before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup, we are delighted to put into practice the latest cooling technology.

“We have worked hard to prove this technology is real and exists today. Qatar has already proved we can cool football stadiums. The next step is to demonstrate our capabilities of cooling open air public spaces.

“The 2014 Fan Zone is a key step on our journey to delivering an amazing fan and player experience in 2022.”

The Brazil 2014 Fan Zone has a capacity of 1,500 people and features a range of activities and entertainment for all ages. Tickets and details are available online at www.sc.qa.