New Murabba Development Company Reveals Design of New Riyadh Stadium

The stadium will be a central pillar of "New Murabba" the transformative downtown destination in Riyadh City. - SPA
The stadium will be a central pillar of "New Murabba" the transformative downtown destination in Riyadh City. - SPA
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New Murabba Development Company Reveals Design of New Riyadh Stadium

The stadium will be a central pillar of "New Murabba" the transformative downtown destination in Riyadh City. - SPA
The stadium will be a central pillar of "New Murabba" the transformative downtown destination in Riyadh City. - SPA

New Murabba Development Company unveiled on Tuesday the design of New Murabba Stadium, an architectural marvel with a capacity of over 45,000, SPA reported. The stadium will be a central pillar of "New Murabba" the transformative downtown destination in Riyadh City.
Inspired by the layered overlapping planes and peeling planar texture of the native Acacia tree, the New Murabba Stadium's design is a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines New Murabba.

The stadium will feature cutting-edge sporting technology, creating an immersive and personalized fan experience. The stadium will be a vibrant community hub featuring illuminated entry points and shaded spaces for gathering and socializing.
"The New Murabba Stadium embodies our commitment to transforming Riyadh into a global destination for sports and entertainment," said Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Company. "The stadium will not only be a world-class venue for sporting events but also a vibrant community hub that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike."
The New Murabba Stadium is strategically positioned to enhance community engagement. Its design maximizes long-term usability, allowing it to be adapted to host a wide range of events beyond sports, gaming competitions, and exhibitions.
"The New Murabba Stadium is a symbol of Riyadh's dynamic future. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and experiences that will captivate both local communities and global audiences," said Dyke.
With completion anticipated by the end of 2032, this venue promises to become a symbol of Riyadh's transformation, attracting tourists, fostering community spirit, and solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in sports and entertainment.



Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies from Cancer at Age 78

 Greg Gumbel, left, watches as Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun talks to Butler head coach Brad Stevens, right, prior to taping a television interview for the men's NCAA Final Four college basketball championship game Sunday, April 3, 2011, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
Greg Gumbel, left, watches as Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun talks to Butler head coach Brad Stevens, right, prior to taping a television interview for the men's NCAA Final Four college basketball championship game Sunday, April 3, 2011, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
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Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies from Cancer at Age 78

 Greg Gumbel, left, watches as Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun talks to Butler head coach Brad Stevens, right, prior to taping a television interview for the men's NCAA Final Four college basketball championship game Sunday, April 3, 2011, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
Greg Gumbel, left, watches as Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun talks to Butler head coach Brad Stevens, right, prior to taping a television interview for the men's NCAA Final Four college basketball championship game Sunday, April 3, 2011, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78.

“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement.

In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties, The AP reported.

In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the US to call play-by-play of a major sports championship.

David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness.

“A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson.

Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998.

He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships and the following year hosted NBC’s daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta.

But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004.

He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.

He won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.

Outside of his career as a sportscaster, Gumbel was affiliated with the March of Dimes for three decades, including as a member of its board of trustees. He also was a member of the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years.