New images of Grand Stade de Casablanca

Article posted by Coliseum, August 22^nd, 2024

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

New images have been released of the spectacular Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco, the 115,000-capacity stadium projected to be the largest football stadium in the world.

Preparation for groundworks to start is underway on a 100-hectare site in the town of El Mansouria, in the province of Benslimane, 38 km north of Casablanca, after public financing was approved in October 2023.

The stadium has been designed by Paris-based architects Oualalou + Choi and global sports design leaders Populous.

The design draws inspiration from the traditional social gathering of Morocco known as a ‘moussem’, with the stadium structure set under a grand tented roof that emerges as a dramatic intervention in the forested landscape.

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

Scheduled to be completed in 2028, the venue will be used mostly for football matches and will serve as the home of the Morocco national football team. The venue is being planned keeping in mind the 2030 FIFA spectacle.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup™ will be the 24th FIFA World Cup™, a quadrennial international football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of the member-associations of FIFA. The 2030 World Cup will mark the centennial World Cup competition.

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

For the first time, three countries from two continents will host the competition with Morocco, Portugal and Spain as the host nations. Additionally, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup™, in particular the first World Cup which was held in Uruguay.

At both ends of the colossal stadium bowl in the Grand Stade Hassan II, three steep, compact tiers ensure a vibrant and spectacular atmosphere. Each ‘end’ of the stadium holds 29,500 general admission spectators.

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

Five levels of hospitality along each of the main stands at the side of the pitch welcome 12,000 VVIP, VIP, Hospitality and Box users, in addition to the Royal box.

The stadium is covered by a spectacular roof made from a unique aluminium lattice. Supporting the geometry of the roof and the bowl is a ring of 32 stairways, creating monumental gateways that feature lush gardens positioned on raised platforms, each 28 meters from the ground.

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

The gardens produce an extraordinary spatial experience, an oasis of greenery under the translucent envelope of the roof. This effect is enhanced by a series of botanical gardens at ground level under the outer reaches of the covering.

The stadium will be fully compliant for FIFA competitions, with the ability to host the final at the 2030 FIFA World Cup™, following Morocco’s naming as joint hosts for the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. It will also serve as the home of two local clubs.

Engineering firms Maffeis Engineering, ME Engineering, and Rider Levett Bucknall complete the design team.

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

Christopher Lee, Managing Director at Populous for the EMEA region, said: “We are very proud to work alongside our partners Oualalou + Choi on this incredible project. The Grand Stade Hassan II will be a truly iconic, landmark venue for Morocco and for football itself, that will become one of the great stadia of the world.”

Tarik Oualalou, Design Principal and founding partner at Oualalou + Choi and Lead Architect for the project, added, “The Grand Stade Hassan II is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, with its traditions and contemporary expressions. It is rooted in ancient and primordial figures: the Moussem, the tent, and the garden, as well as the topography and landscapes of Morocco.

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

“It’s a generous space, open to the world and respectful to the Nature it protects. The Grand Stade Hassan II de Casablanca is the embodiment of the great tradition of Moroccan hospitality.”

François Clément, Senior Principal, President of Populous France and Lead Architect for the project, said, “The Grand Stade Hassan II will provide extraordinary spaces that create exceptional experiences for every fan and every visitor.

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

“It is a cornerstone of King Mohammed VI’s vision to develop Morocco’s football infrastructure that will elevate Morocco to the highest global platform of sporting infrastructure development.”

Image: Populous and Oualalou + Choi

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