Khalifa International Stadium upgrade

Middle East

Midmac (for Aspire Zone)

What we did

Midmac commissioned Gravity Media to install an in-stadium broadcast system, enabling broadcasters to plug into the permanent on-site infrastructure from multiple positions to enable a variety of live productions.

Our team was tasked with the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the system, which had to be completed in time for the 2017 Emir Cup final that the 40,000-seat arena was scheduled to host.

What we used

Our solution comprised 51 wall boxes installed at various locations around the ground. Each of these boxes is connected to a central OB patch room – a solution that required some 131,200 metres of cable, including Triax, SMPTE, audio and single-mode fibre connection.

The location of the boxes needed careful planning to allow productions to be as flexible as possible, as the stadium is a multi-purpose venue used for both football and athletics.

Within the OB patch room, Gravity Media installed an Imagine Communications-based audio and video distribution infrastructure, as well as conversion equipment.

The work was carried out by our own team of skilled cable installation experts, and managed through our local office in Doha.

Outcome

The Khalifa International Stadium re-opened on schedule in May 2017, with a spectacular opening ceremony immediately before the final of the Emir Cup (Al-Sadd beat rivals Al Rayyan 2–1 on the night).

As well as the broadcast infrastructure, the stadium’s renovation also included the installation of a new roof that covers all seats, and innovative cooling technology to keep both players and spectators comfortable throughout the year.

The high-tech new stadium will host 2022 FIFA World Cup matches up to the quarter-final stage, as well as the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships.

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