Infrastructure : Stadiums Steal Spotlight

The spectacle of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations is delivering the necessary drama on the pitch. But that is not the only thing catching the attention of the tens of thousands who have converged on the country. Beyond core infrastructure such as transport and lod- ging, the main arenas; the stadiums hosting the com- petition; have been the real talk of the tournament. Arrive in Rabat at night and you are immediately overwhelmed by the night view of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex. Advanced floodlights bathe the stadium's shiny outside view in a vibrant manner, creating dynamic light shows that mirror and amplify the event’s energy. The close to 70,000-capacity venue in Rabat glows with synchro- nized projections high- lighting Morocco's flag, those of other participa- ting countries, and AFCON motifs. The beauty does not end outside. Inside, the design prioritises comfort. It is a complete architectural sta- tement that fills Moroc- cans with pride. Still in Rabat, you find three other stadiums hosting AFCON fixtures. The Al Barid Sta- dium, for example, located in the sought-after Agdal district of Rabat that hos- ted South Africa versus Cameroon clash, is a mar- vel in both form and com- fort. Featuring a natural grass pitch, the stadium is designed to ensure top- level playing conditions and excellent visual qua- lity for fans. Its minimalist architecture allows every spectator; no matter their seat; to enjoy a clear, unobstructed view of the entire pitch. Similar qua- lities are evident in the stadiums in Fès, Tangier, Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir. Waterproofed Pitches If you are wondering why the pitches never get wa- terlogged despite persis- tent rain in parts of Mo- rocco, here is the answer. The secret, as reported, lies in an innovative sys- tem called “SubAir,” ins- talled beneath the playing surface in several sta- diums, including the newly renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. This system does not rely solely on traditio- nal gravity drainage. Ins- tead, the SubAir techno- logy actively sucks out ex- cess water at high speed while simultaneously pumping fresh air into the soil. T...