Getting To Know Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar 2022 World Cup Opening Match Arena

The pride of Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar's 2022 World Cup opening arena between Qatar vs Ecuador on November 20. (Dohanews)

JAKARTA - Al Bayt Stadium will be the venue for the inaugural match of the 2022 World Cup between Qatar vs Ecuador on November 20. The stadium with a capacity of 60,000 spectators is located in the city of Al Khor, 35 km from the capital city of Doha.

Built in May 2016. Al Bayt has a unique exterior look with an impression like a nomaden's residence tent that lives in Qatar. The black and white stripes on the exterior further emphasize Al Bayt does not want to accompany the cultural characteristics of the local community.

Around the stadium, as in the video on the Qatar2022 channel, the desert area turns into a green open garden, complete with trees, refined areas, and a number of artificial pools. Thus, the atmosphere created is very beautiful.

Al Bayt Stadium is said to be the grandest stadium among the 7 other stadiums used for Qatar's 2022 World Cup matches.

In addition to the opening match, several group matches, the last 16 matches, the last 8 matches, and the semifinal match will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium, namely:

November 20 Group A: Qatar vs Ecuador23 November Group F: Morocco vs Senegal25 November Group B: England vs United States 27 November Group E: Spain vs Germany November 29 Group A: Netherlands vs Qatar1 December Group E: Costa Rica vs Germany 4 December Round 16 last: 1B v 2A10 December last 8 14 December Semifinals

Regarding security, Al Bayt Stadium is also equipped with at least 2,000 security cameras. Launching from the ESPN, not only Al Bayt, all stadiums will also use modern technology which will alert if there is an excessive flow of crowds.

"If the crowd situation is formed, we will detect it and act proactively. Every corner of the stadium will be monitored," said Head of Aspire Zone Technology, Niyas Abdulrahiman.

Likewise, for security officers, Qatar will receive assistance from other countries to maintain the 2022 World Cup will take place in an orderly and safe manner.

The British Air Force will help patrol the sky during the tournament. Meanwhile, the United States Air Base, located in Al Udeid, southwest of Doha, will provide security and intelligence support," wrote Mark Ogden, senior writer of ESPN in the field of football.

Dr Saud Abdulaziz Abdul Ghani designed an air conditioning system at the environmentally friendly 2022 World Cup stadium. Solar power plants located 30 miles outside Doha, will produce 10 times more electricity than is needed to power air conditioning units.

The air temperature in Qatar in November and December generally did not reach 30 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature in the stands will be set to range from 21-22 degrees Celsius during the match. Ventilation at the seat level will pump cool air.

"So the audience may need to take the mantle to several matches to avoid the cold," said Ogden.

On the pitch, the temperature control comes from large ventilation on the surface side of the field which will be controlled by 350 different sensors buried under the grass. The sensor will measure the temperature and humidity, while the air conditioning system will adjust the appropriate temperature to the players in the field.

"Air will also always be refreshing to ensure optimal air quality, filtering dust and powder and provide ventilation to help combat the spread of viruses such as COVID-19," Ogden continued.

So far, more than 2.5 million tickets have been sold out. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are still the biggest markets.

If you want to watch Qatar 2022 World Cup football matches live at the stadium, there are a number of special entry requirements that need to be known. Launching Euronews, the main thing must have a Hayya Card.

A form of fan ID - to enter the country from November 1 to December 23. Even if you don't plan to attend any matches, you will need them," wrote Euronews.

Match ticket holders can register via an online portal. Hayya cards can be used to enter Qatar several times during the 2022 World Cup and will be allowed to remain in Qatar until January 23, 2023.

Hayya cards can also be used as free access to public transportation on days when there are matches including buses, metros, and trams.

When it arrives after November 1, 2022, visitors do not need to do a COVID-19 test. Also, there is no need to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

As to what must be known, Qatar has strict rules regarding alcohol and vape.

Alcohol will only be available to visitors at licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Also, in certain zones only. Alcohol cannot be purchased in shops like across Europe, and importing alcohol to Qatar State is illegal. The legal age for drinking is also 21 years old.

Visitors are also advised to check the rules for nicotine consumption in the country because it is prohibited from using or bringing e-cigarettes to the country. Vaping has been banned in Qatar since 2014 and you can face fines of up to 10,000 riyals or even prison sentences.

Likewise, the strict rules of behavior of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT). Qatar's CEO of the 2022 World Cup, Nasser Al Khater, said that for the time being, Qatar was open to accepting anyone who entered with certain restrictions.

No one will be discriminated against during the 29-day tournament. Everyone is acceptable, "said Nasser.