Botafogo takes the field today at 2 PM (Brasília time) against Pachuca, from Mexico, for the Intercontinental Cup 2024. The stage for this duel is Stadium 974, a well-known venue for Brazilian fans. Located in Qatar, the stadium was the setting for two matches of the Brazilian National Team during the 2022 World Cup: the group stage match against Switzerland and the round of 16 clash against South Korea.
Throughout the 2022 tournament, Stadium 974 hosted five matches. In addition to Brazil's matches, it also featured encounters between France and Denmark, Poland and Argentina (where Thiago Almada made his only appearance in the World Cup), as well as Serbia against Switzerland.
With a unique design, Stadium 974 draws attention for its vibrant colors, modular shape, and unusual materials. Built with colorful containers and modular steel, it stands out in the Qatari landscape, especially with its facade facing the Persian Gulf, reminiscent of giant Lego pieces.
The stadium's unique appearance contrasts with the grandeur and, in some cases, the uniformity of other stadiums in Qatar, which, despite their impressive external architectures, are quite similar on the inside. In front of Stadium 974, the sensation is like standing before a massive cargo ship. The choice to maintain the original colors of the containers and use numbers to identify the stadium's entrances makes the experience even more remarkable.
AND MORE: Botafogo the glorious: Why is Botafogo called Glorioso?The name "974" was chosen for two reasons. First, it is the international dialing code for Qatar. Second, it represents the number of containers used in the stadium's construction. Most of the structure was made with recycled steel, and the stadium features 44,089 removable seats.
Combining practicality and simplicity, the stadium offers easy access to the public, even without a nearby subway station. The entrance can be reached after a walk of about two kilometers or via available bus lines.
According to the organizing committee, the stadium's innovative design pays homage to Qatar's maritime and port traditions. Compared to other stadiums in the country, its construction used fewer materials. Many of the containers that make up its structure were originally used to transport construction materials to the site.
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Thanks to its modular design, Stadium 974 is completely dismantlable. Construction began in 2017, and its inauguration took place in November 2021, during the Arab Cup. Located near Doha International Airport and the port area, it is one of the most accessible stadiums in the region.
Stadium 974 is also the closest to the Qatari coast. With two levels of seating, fans in the upper seats can enjoy a privileged view of West Bay, one of the most luxurious areas of Qatar's capital, marked by modern skyscrapers that create a stunning backdrop.
Read more about the Intercontinental Cup at: Intercontinental Cup 2024: Who does Botafogo face and full calendar See the complete calendar of the final phase of the Intercontinental Cup 2024 Next Botafogo game: See the calendar for December and January and February 2025 Recommended reading:Intercontinental Cup 2024