History
The stadium was originally opened in 1976, but was fully renovated and expanded in 2005 prior to the 2006 Asian Games in order to increase its capacity from 20,000 to 40,000. A roof has also been built on the Western side of the stadium, along with a large arch on the Eastern side which was used as a platform for the launch of fireworks during the 2006 Asian Games opening ceremony. Before its renovation it was used mostly for football matches, but it includes facilities for many other sports. Since 1997 it hosts the annual track and field event Qatar Athletic Super Grand Prix, now as part of the IAAF Diamond League. It is currently the stadium of Qatar national football team.
The venue hosted two international friendly football matches between Brazil and England on November 14, 2009 and Brazil and Argentina on November 17, 2010 and the athletics of the 2009 ISF World School Games, held between December 8–12, 2009.
The Stadium also hosted the inaugural function of the 2011 Arab Games.
Read more about this topic: Khalifa International Stadium
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“Don’t give your opinions about Art and the Purpose of Life. They are of little interest and, anyway, you can’t express them. Don’t analyse yourself. Give the relevant facts and let your readers make their own judgments. Stick to your story. It is not the most important subject in history but it is one about which you are uniquely qualified to speak.”
—Evelyn Waugh (1903–1966)
“It may be well to remember that the highest level of moral aspiration recorded in history was reached by a few ancient Jews—Micah, Isaiah, and the rest—who took no count whatever of what might not happen to them after death. It is not obvious to me why the same point should not by and by be reached by the Gentiles.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)