The future Qiddiya City district gained a reputation as Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious project back in 2019, when construction was just getting underway. It is rising from the rocks, located 45 kilometers from the capital city of Riyadh.
A colossal esports arena with a capacity of 5,155 seats will be one of the standout features of the district. It will consist of six sections with glass walls, and all segments of the structure will glow with vibrant neon lights.
The world’s most spacious cyber arena is being designed by the global architectural firm Populous, known for its extraordinary project—the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, the largest spherical structure on the planet, featuring a massive 54,000-square-meter LED screen.
Inspired by the success of the Sphere, the architects at Populous let their imaginations run wild while designing the arena for Qiddiya. The plan includes the largest total area of video screens and tactile 4D seating in the world. According to the designers, these comfortable chairs will allow spectators to “even smell the video game.”
A colossal synergy of suspended screens and modern AV systems will provide arena guests with a fully immersive experience in the fantastic world of esports.
At the center of the spectator area will be a digital chandelier—a suspended array of screens that will broadcast competitions. These broadcasts will be clearly visible from any point within the complex, as reported by Designboom.
The esports arena, which is set to be the centerpiece of Qiddiya, embodies the city’s motto: “Play in Life.” The architectural marvel by Populous will host both national and international esports events. It promises to be the cornerstone of the new district and the world’s first multifunctional gaming venue, according to the project’s creators.
Shirin Hamdan, the CEO of Populous KSA, stated that this arena will represent a modern esports venue, serving as a central element of the incredible esports and cultural district of Qiddiya City.
Developers hope that the district will attract around ten million visitors each year. Overall, its 500,000 square meters will accommodate four stadiums with 73,000 seats, numerous restaurants, concert halls, water parks, golf courses, dozens of companies specializing in cyber gaming, and 25 gaming clubs. Clearly, this infrastructural giant will create jobs for many people.