Karbala Sports City, Sports stadium in Karbala, Iraq.
Karbala Sports City is a sports complex in Karbala, Iraq, whose centrepiece is Karbala International Stadium, a grass-surfaced football ground with a total area of 34,000 m² and a roof rising about 35 metres. The stadium seats up to 30,000 spectators and has no athletics track. Its outer facade is made up of 72 gates, a number chosen to represent the martyrs of Karbala. It was designed and built by Bahadır Kul Architects and is home to Karbalaa FC.
Construction of the stadium began in January 2013 at a cost of $100 million, funded by the Iraqi government, and it opened on 12 May 2016 with a 0–0 match between Karbalaa FC and Iraq's 2007 AFC Asian Cup-winning team. On 13 November 2017 it hosted its first international friendly, between Iraq and Syria, and on 14 August 2019 it held the WAFF Championship final, marking the return of continental tournaments to Iraq.
The stadium's outer facade is made up of 72 gates, a number chosen to represent the 72 martyrs of Karbala, so the building's design refers to the city's religious history. It is home to Karbalaa FC, and its opening match on 12 May 2016 pitted that club against Iraq's 2007 AFC Asian Cup-winning team before 30,000 spectators.
The venue offers ample space for spectators and facilities to move around, so arriving early is helpful, especially for major events. The different zones are clearly marked and allow easy access throughout the complex.
The stadium's outer facade is made up of 72 gates, a number chosen to represent the 72 martyrs of Karbala. The roof rises to about 35 metres, and because there is no athletics track the stands sit close to the grass pitch.
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