Saudi Arabia's $1,000,000,000,000 The Line city to build soccer stadium as tall as the Empire State Building
The stadium will host 46,000 spectators hundreds of meters off the ground
Ellie Kemp
If you've ever taken a trip to New York City, chances are you've been up the Empire State Building.
Its highest observation deck, some some 381 meters (1250 feet) above ground, offers awe-inspiring views of the world's most iconic city and beyond.
Even if heights aren't your thing, it's worth the trek up for a whole new perspective on the New York skyline.
Now, imagine playing a game of soccer up there, with 46,000 people watching. Sounds absolutely terrifying, doesn't it?
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Well, this is set to become a reality in the next decade, when Saudi Arabia opens a first-of-its-kind Neom Stadium.
Set to be the most unique sporting venue 'in the world,' Neom Stadium will be located in The Line - a mega project estimated to cost $1 trillion.
The fully pedestrianized city, which is currently under construction in Neom in the country's Tabuk region, will run entirely on renewable energy, measuring up to 170km long and 200m wide.
And last week, Neom Chief Development Officer - and former Australian cricketer - Denis Hickey, gave an update on the first-of-its-kind stadium, claiming it would be as tall as the Empire State Building.
“This will be a stadium like nothing seen before,” he said in a presentation shared to YouTube.
“The playing field will sit at the height of the Empire State Building, giving fans a completely new way to experience games - suspended in the sky with breathtaking views of the city.”
The stadium's roof is set to be made from the exterior of the city itself, fully integrating itself into The Line.
Neom Stadium is one of 11 stadiums being built across Saudi as they prepare to host the World Cup in 2034.
Saudi 2034's website previously stated Neom stadium would sit 'at least' 150 meters in the sky - that's around 30 meters shorter than the Empire State's top viewing deck, whereas the tip of the building stands at 443 meters.
Hickey continued: “We’re not just building a place to live. We’re building a destination. From world-class sports arenas and concert venues to museums and immersive public spaces, The Line will be an experience, not just a city.”
Eight stadiums will be built in Riyadh, four in Jeddah, while one each will be built in Al Khobar, Abha and, of course, Neom.