King Saud University Stadium
Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
King Saud University Stadium[a] is a multi-purpose stadium located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is known as Al-Awwal Park due to sponsorship reasons and serves as the home stadium of Al-Nassr FC.
| الأول بارك | |
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 View from inside Al-Awwal Park | |
 Interactive map of Al-Awwal Park | |
Former names | Mrsool Park (2020–2023) |
|---|---|
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Coordinates | 24°43′45″N 46°37′26″E |
| Owner | King Saud University |
| Operator | Saudi Media Company (SMC) |
| Capacity | 26,004 (46,319 planned for 2034 FIFA World Cup) |
| Surface | Hybrid grass |
| Scoreboard | Yes |
Field size | Field of play: 105 m × 68 m Pitch area: 125 m × 85 m |
| Public transit |  2 King Saud University Station |
| Construction | |
| Opened | May 7, 2015 |
| Cost | SAR215 million |
| Architects | Michael KC Cheah and Steph Cheah[1] |
| Builder | Hashem Contracting Company |
| Tenants | |
| Al-Nassr (2020–present) Al-Hilal (2018–2020)
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| Website | |
| www | |
Description
Refurbishments
The stadium began construction in 2011 and was opened in May 2015. Refurbishments will take place from 2030 to 2032, in preparations for the 2034 World Cup.[2]
The renovated stadium will feature an elliptical lightweight spoke-wheel roof and strategically placed amenities designed to ensure accessibility and compliance with FIFA standards. Located on the King Saud University campus in western Riyadh, the stadium offers convenient access from the city center. Surrounding the stadium are additional sports facilities, such as an arena, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Adjacent to the venue is the bustling U Walk, a mixed-use King Saud University development that includes commercial and retail spaces.[2]
Post-2034
Following the World Cup, the stadium will serve as the home for King Saud University teams, supporting university sports, community activities, and women’s football. At this stage, part of the upper tier will be removed, reducing the stadium’s capacity to 33,000.[2]
History
The construction work on the campus of King Saud University in Western Riyadh started in Spring 2011 and the opening took place in May 2015.[citation needed] The construction work was commissioned to Hashem Contracting Company, based on designs by Michael KC Cheah and his wife Steph, expanding their architectural portfolio of Saudi-based football stadia.
Hashem Contracting Company delivered the stadium following specifications (and FIFA rules for international games) within the budget of 215 million riyals ($57m). The stadium may seem soil-brown or gold depending on the sunlight due to its perforated and metallic outer skin. Mrsool Park went through a renovation at the end of 2020 and this will continue going forward to transform it into a young and family-friendly destination with fan zones and entertainment areas for everyone to enjoy.[3]
In 2020, the stadium went through a re-branding operation becoming Mrsool Park in November 2020, following the signing with the delivery company Mrsool.[4]
In 2021, the stadium hosted the Maradona Cup between Boca Juniors and FC Barcelona to honor Diego Maradona, who died the previous year.[5]
In April 2023, the stadium was renamed Al-Awwal Park after Saudi Awwal Bank signed a $15 million sponsorship deal for the next three years.[6]
Events
Association football
Professional wrestling
Mixed martial arts
Gallery
Al-Awwal Park players tunnel
Al-Awwal Park locker room
