The state-of-the-art 60,000-seater Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait was completed in 2007, yet has remained mostly shut due to structural concerns.
The state-of-the-art 60,000-seater Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait was completed in 2007, yet has remained mostly shut due to structural concerns.
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In March 2005 Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah (R) held a torch declaring the inauguration of the international Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah stadium in Ardeyya, South of Kuwait City.
In March 2005 Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah (R) held a torch declaring the inauguration of the international Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah stadium in Ardeyya, South of Kuwait City.
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Should all go according to plan, Kuwait's Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium will be ready to open its gates to host the Gulf Cup of Nations in December, 2015.
Should all go according to plan, Kuwait's Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium will be ready to open its gates to host the Gulf Cup of Nations in December, 2015.
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The stadium was expected to be ready for permanent use after hosting the AFC Cup final in November 2010, but cracks appeared in the walkway outside of the arena afterwards leading to a number of government investigations.
The stadium was expected to be ready for permanent use after hosting the AFC Cup final in November 2010, but cracks appeared in the walkway outside of the arena afterwards leading to a number of government investigations.
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The stadium's doors were only ever opened once more. A free event was held in November 2012 -- for a world record attempt at creating the largest human flag -- yet it was sparsely attended because of public nervousness regarding the reported damage. The public has not been allowed back in since and the stadium remains closed and unused to this day.
The stadium's doors were only ever opened once more. A free event was held in November 2012 -- for a world record attempt at creating the largest human flag -- yet it was sparsely attended because of public nervousness regarding the reported damage. The public has not been allowed back in since and the stadium remains closed and unused to this day.
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Despite its lack of use, the stadium has been well maintained and still boasts excellent facilities, including a hydro-therapy swimming pool, complete with a view of the pitch for those who ever get the chance to take a dip in it.
Despite its lack of use, the stadium has been well maintained and still boasts excellent facilities, including a hydro-therapy swimming pool, complete with a view of the pitch for those who ever get the chance to take a dip in it.
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If going to the gym is more your thing, then you may also one day be able to watch the action unfold while lifting some weights or jumping on board the running machine.
If going to the gym is more your thing, then you may also one day be able to watch the action unfold while lifting some weights or jumping on board the running machine.
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Forget VIPs -- the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium was built to cater for VVIPs. The arena's VVIP seating section, known as the Emir's Box, is modeled on the Directors' Box at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
Forget VIPs -- the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium was built to cater for VVIPs. The arena's VVIP seating section, known as the Emir's Box, is modeled on the Directors' Box at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
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If VVIPs fancy a break from the action -- when the stadium eventually opens -- then there is also the VVIP guest lounge for dignitaries. Such rooms are typically found in most Gulf airports in the diplomatic entrance.
If VVIPs fancy a break from the action -- when the stadium eventually opens -- then there is also the VVIP guest lounge for dignitaries. Such rooms are typically found in most Gulf airports in the diplomatic entrance.
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Parked inside the stadium is a custom-made golf cart delivered from the United States. It was made specially to drive the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and other dignitaries onto the pitch in the event of special occasions, but instead remains an idle show piece. A portrait of the stadium's honoree, the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, hangs in the background.
Parked inside the stadium is a custom-made golf cart delivered from the United States. It was made specially to drive the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and other dignitaries onto the pitch in the event of special occasions, but instead remains an idle show piece. A portrait of the stadium's honoree, the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, hangs in the background.
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Once the stadium is finally ready, spectators will be well protected. Special care was taken when designing the arena with metal bars to separate each row as a security measure to prevent crowds overpowering each other or the police. A banner featuring Kuwait's 1982 World Cup qualifying team overlooks the pitch.
Once the stadium is finally ready, spectators will be well protected. Special care was taken when designing the arena with metal bars to separate each row as a security measure to prevent crowds overpowering each other or the police. A banner featuring Kuwait's 1982 World Cup qualifying team overlooks the pitch.
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The softball stadium built for the 2004 Athens Olympics is an example of facility wastage post-global tournaments. The cost of hosting the Olympics was estimated at €9 billion, with the majority of sporting venues built specifically for the games. Due to Greece's post-Olympic economic frailties, the majority of the newly constructed stadiums now lie abandoned.
The softball stadium built for the 2004 Athens Olympics is an example of facility wastage post-global tournaments. The cost of hosting the Olympics was estimated at €9 billion, with the majority of sporting venues built specifically for the games. Due to Greece's post-Olympic economic frailties, the majority of the newly constructed stadiums now lie abandoned.
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A view of the beach volleyball Olympic stadium at Faliro Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece. Many of the sports complexes built for the 2004 games have been unused since.
A view of the beach volleyball Olympic stadium at Faliro Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece. Many of the sports complexes built for the 2004 games have been unused since.
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Brasilia's 72,000-seat Mane Garrincha Stadium -- built for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for $550 million -- is now used primarily as a municipal bus parking lot.
Brasilia's 72,000-seat Mane Garrincha Stadium -- built for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for $550 million -- is now used primarily as a municipal bus parking lot.
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