The Grand Stade Hassan II stadium with the seating capacity of 115,000 is under construction in the heart of Morocco and once it is completed it will be the world’s largest stadium. Hassan II Soccer Stadium located in Casablanca; designed by the famous Populous firm with assistance of Paris-based architects is going to be a spectacular construction. What sort of facility will this new stadium giant bring to its market?
Project factsheet
capacity: 115,000 seats
Architect: Oualalou + Choi and Populous
Constructor: Engineering firms involved include Maffeis Engineering, ME Engineering, and Rider Levett Bucknall
Start date: Construction groundwork began in 2024.
Completion date: Anticipated completion is before the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Location: El Mansouria, Benslimane Province, 38 km north of Casablanca
A design in accordance of Moroccan culture
Grand Stade Hassan II is much inspired from Moroccan culture especially the moussem that are social events in Morocco. The other main sources of inspiration in the main design are the tent, the garden and the Morocco landscape. They start with giant cabana like roof structure that appear to literally be encroaching out from the forest and standing out in harmony with its natural surrounding. The stadium is not designed to simply aesthetically ‘wow’ but it is also configured as a signifier in relation to culture or the Moroccan context.
The architectural style of the stadium is quite distinct, in that three tiers of stepped, solid tiers of spectators’ stands are built compactly to create a sense of the dynamic that would be novel to most spectators. Each of the two main stands can hold approximately 29,500 peoples and that count makes them among one of the largest sectors in the football world. From two split sides of the pitch, five premium levels are expected where arrangement of the seats will include about 12,000 VVIP users, VIP, Hospitality zone spectators, box users and the members of the Royal Family.
Innovative architecture features
Architecture solutions used in construction of Grand Stade Hassan II make this grandstand not only large, but also unique. The roof of the stadium consists of an aluminum truss that has an unusual shape; therefore the stadium looks futuristic. The structure is enclosed with the 32 stairs, which works as monumental instalments to gain entry into the stadium. These stairs also provide support for the raised pavilions in which are situated the beautiful gardens reaching a height of up to 28 metres.
The green zones located underneath the transparent roof give a feeling of an oasis – an area that unites the concept of the modern building and Mother Nature. One must also mention that, at ground level, the stadium will be enclosed by botanical gardens to stress on the facility’s eco-friendliness. Morocco ‘s Grand Stade Hassan II will be fully compliant with FIFA requirements to accommodate the finals of the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Will they be up to the challenge of the final of the competition in the arena?It will also host two local clubs namely Wydad AC and Raja CA.
Preparation for construction work for its commencement is already quite underway to a big extent. After the obtainment of public financial support in October of the year 2023, the preparation of a 100-hectare site in El Mansouria, 38 km northeast of Casablanca, will start. Engineering consultancies like Maffeis Engineering, ME Engineering –previously known as Conas Brennan Geraghty Moloney- and Rider Levett Bucknall are involved in assisting the project team to execute this complex project.
Significance for Morocco
The Grand Stade Hassan II is, therefore, an array of Morrocan traditions and contemporary manifestations of the same. Stadium captures the true spirit of the legendary Moroccan hospitality very well. François Clément, president of Populous France, added: The Grand Stade Hassan II will deliver extraordinary spaces to build extraordinary experiences for any fan and any visitor. Apart from touching the sky of modern architecture, the stadium serves a crucial place in the development of Moroccan sporting facility as envisioned by King Mohammed VI.
Christopher Lee, Populous’ managing director for EMEA, emphasises the importance of the project for Morocco and the entire football world: Morocco and football in particular will be proud to have such a spectacular stadium known as Grand Stade Hassan II which will rank among the finest stadiums globally. For his part, Tarik Oualalou, lead designer and founding partner of Oualalou + Choi, points to the stadium’s deep roots in Moroccan culture.
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