Can world’s first sky stadium host World Cup 350 meters above desert?

Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, has unveiled plans for the NEOM Sky Stadium—the world’s first “sky stadium,” designed to stand 350 meters (1148.2 feet) above the ground and envisioned to be ready in time for the tournament.

Once completed, the NEOM Sky Stadium will accommodate around 46,000 spectators and will reportedly run entirely on solar and wind power.

Construction is set to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2032, though some projections suggest the project could extend to 2039.

Hanging stadium 350m above ground

According to Construction Review, the futuristic arena will be integrated into NEOM’s linear smart city project, The Line, and will hover above the desert landscape—a design that underscores the Kingdom’s ambition to push the boundaries of modern engineering and sustainability.

The magazine described it as “the world’s first sky stadium.”

Still, experts warn that the project poses major technical and structural challenges due to its height and location. Engineers are said to be in the process of developing solutions to address these issues.

Saudi media, meanwhile, has not yet released any official statement regarding the “Sky Stadium” project.