Populous Reveals Completed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
After being officially inaugurated by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan on 4 September 2025, the Kingdom of Morocco opened its new national stadium, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, on Friday, 5 September, with the Moroccan national team defeating Niger 5–0 in a CAF qualifying match.
Designed by Populous, the global leader in sports and entertainment design, the 68,700-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium features a unique parametrically-designed LED Façade. The design of the bowl places a premium on acoustics and atmosphere to amplify the passion of Morocco’s fans, with stands placed as close to the pitch as possible, amplifying crowd energy into a sonic wall.
Under the direction of the National Agency for Public Facilities of Morocco, the stadium was designed in accordance with FIFA specifications to host matches up to the semi-finals of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. It incorporates state-of-the-art media and broadcast facilities, a 360° wind-shielding roof, and expanded VVIP, VIP and hospitality areas.
The stadium will host Morocco’s national team as they play at the pinnacle of world football, while inspiring the youth of Morocco across the Kingdom. It has been delivered in just 24 months of combined design and construction, with design teams across multiple Populous offices ensuring continuous coordination with all stakeholders and adaptability working with Moroccan construction processes led by contractor SGTM.
“The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is the new jewel of international football and one of the great stadiums, not just in Morocco, but across all Africa and beyond. It delivers a legacy impact of world-class amenities, accessibility improvements for local and international fans, enhanced fan experience and increased revenues.
Leveraging our parametric design expertise across multiple Populous teams enabled us to create our most ambitious stadium façade to date for this incredible stadium," said Populous Senior Principal, François Clement.
Stadium Façade
The façade of the stadium uses parametric design that draws inspiration both from the interlaced palm leaves lining Rabat’s great boulevards, and from Morocco’s great artisanal tradition, the ‘Point de Fez’ embroidery and traditional ornamentation.
Its golden, shimmering profile rises from the eucalyptus forest of the city’s green belt - the southern lungs of Rabat - representing Morocco’s spirit of innovation and technological strength as it opens toward the Atlantic.
Covering 100,000 m², the façade has been created through parametric design is composed of 19,200 champagne-coloured aluminium triangles, each with their own unique dimensions
At sunset, the stadium creates a spectacular light show as the façade glows with the help of 70 km of LED strips spiralling around the structure.
Stadium Bowl
The bowl is the beating heart of the Moulay Abdellah Stadium, designed to connect Moroccan supporters’ immense passion with the action on the pitch.
A vast open concourse to the south leads into a steep, two-tiered 23,000 capacity ‘Kop’ stand, one of the largest fan sections in Africa and Europe. The two superposed tiers, where the upper tier cantilevers eight metres above the lower tier, create a breathtaking impression of floating over the field, directly overlooking the goal.
This dual-tiered south Kop serves as a ‘loudspeaker’ for supporter passion, facing the pitch, the players, and the other stands.
The West Stand hosts VVIP, VIP, skyboxes, and lounges, centred on the Royal Box, while the East Stand offers a versatile mix of lounges and skyboxes over three tiers.
Skyboxes on Level 2 form a U-shaped ring around the pitch, offering optimised views both of the pitch and of the vibrant South KOP stand.
The overall design ensures an electric stadium atmosphere, enhancing the fan experience at every level.
Construction timeline
The first foundations of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium were laid in September 2023, leaving only 24 months for the design and construction of a 68,700-seat stadium.
This speed was made possible thanks to the adaptability and responsiveness of Populous as part of its integration into the Moroccan construction process, led by the construction company Société Générale des Travaux du Maroc.
The simultaneous coordination of design teams located across several Populous offices ensured the delivery of all the information required for the completion of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium within its 24-month Design / Build period.
Public Space
The forecourt of the Moulay Abdellah Stadium is a new public space for Rabat, linked by a new railway station encouraging public transport to the stadium, and infrastructure connecting it to Hay Riad (east) and Akkari (west).
d&b Sets a New Sound Standard for Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena
Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, one of the Middle East’s most high-profile multi-purpose entertainment venues, has just completed a major sound system upgrade using the latest loudspeaker system technologies from global leader, d&baudiotechnik. Including the extraordinary full-bandwidth directivity of the GSL, KSL, XSLand SL-SUB products from the SL-Series, plus the very latest Compact Cardioid Line Array (CCL), the finished system delivers clean and consistent sound across the entire 17,000-capacity venue.
“At Coca-Cola Arena, we aim for five-star quality in every detail of the audience and artist experience. Choosing d&baudiotechnik was about more than technology – it was about partnering with a brand that our team and our technical experts truly trust. This installation represents the pinnacle of audio performance, ensuring that every seat in the house receives the same exceptional standard,” said Mark Jan Kar, General Manager of the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and SVP of Entertainment, Content, and Programming for Legends Global (MENA).
The d&b team was led by Brad Maiden, General Manager of the Middle East office in Dubai and included Steve Jones, Head of Education & Application Support (EMEA). They worked closely with the Arena’s sound crew and representatives from Coca-Cola Arena and LegendsGlobal to refine the system design, then brought in one of the world’s most respected live sound engineers, Marc Carolan (Muse), to fine-tune the installation.
Carolan commented: ”I’m very familiar with GSL and KSL systems in arenas, but being part of a permanent installation and having the time to really listen and refine things – without my production manager shouting at me – has been great. Steve and the whole team have done a fantastic job. The system is world-class.”
Jones added: “In an arena, controlling sound is notoriously difficult. That’s why the SL-Series is so valuable: its signature cardioid behaviour ensures that as you move to the sides or behind the arrays, levels drop off consistently across all frequencies.”
Of the new CCL, he adds, “Despite its compact size, it still delivers cardioid control down to the lowest frequencies, which is remarkable. It slots in perfectly with the larger SL-Seriescabinets, meaning we can provide effective cardioid solutions for any space, maintainingintelligibility and clarity from front to back.”
The new solution, aimed at giving the venue’s audiences the best possible sound experiencewhile being rider-friendly, is designed with multiple levels of coverage that can be activated or deactivated as needed by the multi-purpose venue, enabling flexible control for any type of event, without compromising sound quality. The main system was finessed using d&b’sArrayProcessing software. On the control side, a complete Milan network is implemented.
“Consistent coverage is critical. I’ve been a long-time d&b user, and I know I can rely on their systems to deliver coverage as promised. Tonality is equally important. What I love about GSL in particular is that it isn’t just a technical tool – it feels like a musical instrument. It has a very natural, musical quality that allows the art to really shine,” said Carolan.
Mark Jan Kar added: “Having d&b’s modular audio systems allows us to seamlessly transform the Arena from concerts to sporting events to corporate shows, at speed and without compromise. That flexibility is critical given the volume and diversity of our business. This upgrade ensures we can compete with the world’s top venues – not only in terms of sound quality for artists and audiences, but also in the efficiency with which we deliver events. Our ambition is to be the region’s must-play venue, and investing in the best possible infrastructure, including audio, gives us that edge.”
“At d&b we work with the world’s top tours, venues, and artists,” says Maiden, “and it’s been a pleasure collaborating with Coca-Cola Arena and Legends Global to help create thisbenchmark for entertainment in the Middle East. The installation of our flagship SL-Series further elevates Coca-Cola Arena on the global stage, as a venue known for technical excellence and world-class quality, something we’re thrilled to be part of.”
KOJO Expands Global Footprint with EVENT360 Integration
EVENT360 and KOJO, two of the most recognised names in sports presentation, are uniting under the KOJO brand (a PMY company) to deliver unforgettable stadium ceremonies and premium game-day experiences to audiences around the globe.
Together, the integrated agency boasts more than 50 years of industry expertise, strengthened by extensive international networks that span sports, codes, clubs and national associations.
The rebrand marks the next step following PMY’s acquisition of EVENT360 in April, and a successful summer in which EVENT360 delivered sport presentation at major events including the Men’s and Women’s FA Cup Finals, The UEFA Nations League Finals in Munich, SailGP in New York and the 1888 Cup in Dublin.
EVENT360 Founder and Managing Director, Julian Marks, now the Group General Manager, EMEA said he is excited for the next chapter under the KOJO brand.
“I’m immensely proud of EVENT360’s achievements over the last 23 years, and the unforgettable moments we’ve created for fans. From landmark stadium celebrations across Europe including the opening ceremony of Wimbledon’s Centre Court and the EURO2020 Final staged at Wembley Stadium through to trophy presentations for the Premier League and Six Nations Championship, it has been an incredible journey. It’s a testament to the amazing EVENT360 team, who will continue delivering these experiences as part of KOJO.”
KOJO Group CEO, Stephen Lord, added, “Our combined networks and expertise make us a powerful player in the global sports and live events industry. KOJO’s award-winning digital and content design teams bring brands to life, while our experienced events and production teams deliver some of the biggest sporting moments. Together with EVENT360’s outstanding track record and strong partnerships, we can offer brands unrivalled opportunities to create dynamic, unforgettable fan experiences worldwide,” he said.
Unilumin Sports & Al Hilal Club Company Seal Landmark Sponsorship in Riyadh
The event was more than a signing—it was a celebration of shared ambition. Attendees witnessed brand presentations outlining the future of sports technology, followed by a guided stadium tour that highlighted the role Unilumin’s cutting-edge LED solutions will play in transforming match-day experiences for millions of Al Hilal fans across Asia & the world.
A Sponsorship with Asia’s Most Celebrated Club
Founded in 1957, Al Hilal Club Company is widely recognized as a highly accomplished football club within Asia and the continent's leading football entities. With over 90 major domestic and international titles, including 21 Saudi Professional League championships and 8 AFC Champions League titles, Al Hilal holds an unrivaled position in the sporting world and boasts a massive fanbase across the Middle East and beyond.
By joining forces with Al Hilal, Unilumin Sports not only brings its world-class LED solutions to Kingdom Arena but also reinforces its influence in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing sports markets.
Elevating the Match-Day Experience
Unilumin Sports has long been at the forefront of developing next-generation LED display solutions tailored for sports venues. Its comprehensive product portfolio includes scoreboards, perimeter displays, large-format stadium screens, and architectural lighting, all engineered for superior image quality, energy efficiency, and system reliability.
“Al Hilal is arguably the biggest club in Asia with millions of passionate fans. We are honored to contribute to the club’s journey with our cutting-edge LED display solutions that create an immersive and engaging match-day experience. We’re so proud to be blue!” said Felix Chen, Sports Director of Unilumin.
Driving Digital Transformation in Sports
Through this sponsorship, Unilumin Sports will play a pivotal role in enhancing fan engagement, sponsor visibility, and overall stadium experience at Al Hilal matches.
Mr. Esteve Calzada, CEO of Al Hilal Club Company, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration:
“We are delighted to welcome Unilumin Sports, a distinguished leader in its field, as a key sponsor. Their digital solutions will enrich the fan experience at our matches, while also strengthening our communication channels with supporters and sponsors. This sponsorship is a win-win step toward our shared vision of excellence.”
This collaboration underscores Unilumin’s commitment to empowering the sports industry with innovative LED solutions while accelerating its international expansion. With successful projects across Asia, Europe, and now the Middle East, Unilumin continues to build its reputation as a trusted global leader in sports venue technology.
Unilumin Sports is proud to stand with Al Hilal – proud to be blue.
NBA Coming to Co-op Live in 2027
The National Basketball Association (NBA), Co-op Live and Manchester City Council have today announced that the NBA will bring a regular-season game to Manchester for the first time ever in 2027 – marking a monumental moment for the city, the venue, and UK sport.
The 2027 game will be only the second time an NBA team has played in Manchester, and the first since 2013, firmly placing Manchester on the global basketball map. The game will be held at Co-op Live, the UK’s largest live entertainment arena, with the exact date and participating teams to be announced prior to the 2026-27 NBA season.
As the home to Basketball England, headquartered on the Etihad Campus, Manchester boasts an ongoing affinity to the sport, from elite competition through grassroots development and community outreach. Recent investment includes the refurbishment of three major outdoor basketball courts, as well as being the home of the National Basketball Performance Centre, providing junior and senior leagues, wheelchair and SEN basketball, community drop-in sessions and more. Manchester’s own Magic and Mystics have called the city home since 2000, winning over 80 national titles, dominating junior competitions and producing elite talent.
As the newest venue on the NBA’s European slate, Co-op Live (owned and operated by Oak View Group) will provide the perfect stage for one of the world’s most exciting sporting events, offering fans in the North of England and beyond an unprecedented opportunity to experience NBA action at the highest level.
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Co-op Live said: “Working alongside the NBA and Manchester City Council to bring a sporting event of this magnitude to the city marks another incredible milestone for the North West, and in Co-op Live's exciting journey to date. We are delighted to host Manchester’s first-ever regular season game, in a venue purposefully designed to deliver an electrifying atmosphere and world-class fan experience. Bring on 2027."
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city. This city is known for big names, big games and a reputation for showcasing world-class events on the biggest stage possible. With a growing basketball scene in Manchester this event feels like the perfect fit and will give so many people in our city the chance to see what the best athletes in the sport can do on our home turf.
"When it comes to delivering world-class events we know that Manchester is now firmly on the map. Now, working with our partners we want to continue driving investment towards our city, creating new jobs, increasing growth and providing new opportunities and experiences for all of our residents."
The announcement is the latest in a series of major global events confirmed for Manchester, seeing Oak View Group and City Football Group delivering on their combined vision to elevate Manchester as a world-class entertainment and sporting destination, working closely alongside Manchester City Council, The Manchester Accommodation BID and Marketing Manchester.
Marking its first year, Co-op Live has generated £1.3 billion in turnover and delivered a £785.5 million boost to the UK economy, with £313.4 million in GVA benefiting Manchester directly through visitor spend on local hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars.
Unilumin Sports Becomes Official Sponsor of Al Hilal’s Stadium LED Display Technology
Unilumin Sports and Al Hilal Club Company proudly announce a strategic partnership, with Unilumin Sports becoming the Official Sponsor of the club’s exclusive stadium LED display technology.
Unilumin Sports, a global leader in advanced LED display solutions, brings to the partnership its unparalleled expertise in delivering high-performance, energy-efficient, and visually stunning technology. With the recent deployment of Unilumin’s cutting-edge LED systems at Kingdom Arena, fans are already witnessing a transformed match-day experience—marked by vibrant, high-definition visuals that amplify the excitement on and off the pitch.
"Al Hilal Club Company is one of the most prestigious football clubs in the region, with a legacy that resonates across the Middle East and beyond," said Felix Chen, Sports Director at Unilumin. "It is a true honor to bring our LED display innovations to Kingdom Arena. We’re proud to stand with the Blue!"
This milestone collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both Al Hilal Club Company and Unilumin Sports to redefine the fan experience, drive innovation, and elevate the visual standard for sporting events in Saudi Arabia.
Together, Al Hilal Club Company and Unilumin Sports are lighting the way to a more immersive and engaging future for football supporters.
Benfica Unveils Bold New Vision and Masterplan for Estádio da Luz
S.L. Benfica has unveiled a transformative new masterplan for Estádio da Luz, positioning the stadium as a premier international sports and entertainment destination – aligning it with the most exciting developments of its kind around the world – while enhancing the fan experience and strengthening its connection with both supporters and the local community.
Populous has led all aspects of the masterplan design in collaboration with the renowned Lisbon-based architecture firm Saraiva + Associados. Populous also served as the original designer of the stadium, which opened in 2004.
A World-Class District for Sports, Culture and Entertainment
The project will modernise the stadium’s facilities and introduce new venues, amenities and public spaces to the surrounding precinct, creating a valuable civic asset for the people of Benfica and supporting the club’s long-term financial sustainability.
The masterplan includes:
- A 10,000-capacity multi-purpose indoor arena, capable of hosting concerts, cultural events, esports and major sporting events.
- Two state-of-the-art indoor sports halls with capacities of 2,500 and 1,500 seats respectively, adaptable for basketball, volleyball, boxing and more that replace the current pavilions and swimming pool
- A new community swimming pool (25x25m) with modern amenities, offering a recreational resource for fans and residents alike.
- A new theatre and events space, holding up to 500 people.
- An outdoor rooftop football pitch and a running track, creating immersive training and fitness environments in the heart of Lisbon.
- Commercial and residential facilities
Enhanced Fan Experience at the Core
Benfiquistas – as the club’s supporters are known – will enjoy a new pre- and post-match gathering space in the form of a 100m x 40m fan plaza in front of the stadium’s main façade, inspired by Lisbon’s famed civic squares such as Praça do Rossio.
With capacity for over 10,000 fans, the plaza will feature a DJ deck and event space, and will be surrounded by food and beverage outlets, retail and terraced restaurants – establishing it as a year-round destination for the city.
Supporters will also benefit from a range of enhancements across the campus, including hospitality terraces, large-format sky-screen installations, and improved connectivity bridges to enhance movement and accessibility.
The statue of Eusébio – a beloved icon of the club – will be carefully relocated to stand at the main entrance to the plaza, prominently positioned against the backdrop of the stadium’s façade to greet fans as they arrive.
Modernisation of the Estádio da Luz
The project will also refresh and reinvigorate the stadium itself. A new façade – fluid and dynamic in its architecture – redefines the stadium’s form through a contemporary lens, tempering light and heat to provide shade for the concourses and enhance fan comfort, while preserving the building’s iconic curved roof trusses.
The facade features integrated LED lighting that weaves a dynamic digital layer across the entire structure, illuminating the architecture on matchdays. It transforms the stadium into both a beacon for supporters and an immersive backdrop for the fan plaza. This programmable LED “skin” also allows the stadium to adapt effortlessly to a wide range of events, from football matches to concerts.
Michael Forward, Associate Principal at Populous and Lead Designer for the project, explains: “The stadium façade articulates a contemporary architectural language rooted in Lisbon’s evolving urban narrative. A restrained palette of neutral tones fosters a seamless dialogue with the surrounding masterplan, while vertical louvres lend both rhythm and porosity to the envelope. The overall effect pays homage to Benfica’s heritage while creating a striking visual effect looking confidently to the future.”
Additionally, a new fourth level will be added to the stadium, outside the seating bowl, providing 6,800 sqm of mixed-use space that includes the potential for club offices, an increased-capacity premium hospitality offering and commercial facilities. This extension is part of a wider strategy to activate the stadium beyond matchdays and embed it more deeply in Lisbon’s urban life.
Sustainability and Legacy
The project champions sustainable design principles, integrating photovoltaic panels on the arena roof, ‘green’ roofs, rainwater harvesting and landscape strategies that support ecological resilience. The development is designed not only to enhance the matchday experience but to provide long-term social and environmental benefits to the Lisbon community.
Rui Costa, President of S.L. Benfica, said: “This is an ambitious and strategic project, focused on our members, fans, and the continued growth of the club, which we intend to begin implementing immediately. Our aim is to enhance the stadium and wider masterplan facilities to support all sports and further strengthen Benfica’s position, both in Portugal and around the world, as the country’s leading sporting institution – with completion in time for the major international competitions that Portugal will host. It is a project in the true Benfica spirit – one that enhances the competitive environment, deepens the club experience, and welcomes all those who want to experience what it means to be part of the Chama Imensa, the greatest in Portugal. It is a commitment to make us stronger, more valuable, and an even greater leader.
Tom Jones, Senior Principal and Project Architect, said: “This masterplan is an example of how venue-anchored mixed-use developments can reinvigorate a whole district, and sets a new benchmark for how stadiums can serve as cultural and community beacons. Estádio da Luz will not just be a home for Benfica’s proud history, but a catalyst for its vibrant future.”
Jorge Betancor, Principal at Populous, who leads the firm’s operations in Portugal, said: “The Estadio da Luz is one of Portugal’s and Europe’s most iconic stadiums. This project will modernise its facilities and create new amenities within the precinct for both spectators on matchdays and the public year-round – aligning it with developments such as Wembley Stadium and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. It will set a new benchmark in Portugal and at an exciting juncture in the country’s sporting development as it builds towards World Cup 2030.”
WORK PRO Audio - CVA Series
WORK PRO Audio, the installation and pro audio division of Equipson, has introduced the CVA Series of column vertical array speakers. Suitable for a wide range of applications, the new speaker series has been designed to offer precision sound and flexibility in a highly durable cabinet.
The CVA Series is a range of line array column speakers consisting of three models: the CVA 4, CVA 6 and CVA 8. Featuring two, four or six 5-inch woofers depending on model, and dual 3/4-inch compression drivers paired with line horns, the CVA Series delivers from 500W program power rating to 1300W at 8Ω to produce clear and powerful audio.
Read more in MONDO | STADIA - ISSUE 41 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mdst41_digitallr/70