but you were not here to see the scenes of riot police and police dogs. They were not your average laid back, peaceful, safe, Doha street scenes.
There is a lot to say about the VIP treatment issue, just consider some of Khalifa stadium’s uncommon design features, (granted, they modified an existing facility, but with unlimited budgets, they could have done much better):
1. Only one side the stadium had a roof, the side other did not. Why would any architect suggest such a design that provides shelter from the sun or the rain to less than half of the spectators? Could anyone buy tickets to sit under the roof or was it all reserved for VIPs only?
2. Only one side of the stadium could enjoy the viewing of the so-called largest electronic screen in the world. The other side would have to turn around to see it, or not see anything at all being so close to it.
3. Single point entrance for the “people” near the road intersection, which forced you to walk several kilometers each way to and from your venue.
4. A Games Park with no parking facilities for a City with any public transport, Underground, Tube or Metro. Your best choice was to park in the “mud” on the other side of the road, and to take your life in your hands every time you crossed the road. No overpass provided. No legal pedestrian crossing with lights. One woman got killed while crossing the road.
5. During the Opening Ceremonies Qatari athletes on the field were allowed to leave the scene, while other nationals had to stay to the end under the pouring rain.
There will be a great need for enhancing social equality before holding other international events. There should be no class segregation for easy accessing of sites, viewing giant electronic panels, displays or for protection from the elements.
The price of a ticket should only be proportional to the distance of your seat from the field. Qatar has a long way to go, but I believe attitudes can change!
but you were not here to see the scenes of riot police and police dogs. They were not your average laid back, peaceful, safe, Doha street scenes.
There is a lot to say about the VIP treatment issue, just consider some of Khalifa stadium’s uncommon design features, (granted, they modified an existing facility, but with unlimited budgets, they could have done much better):
1. Only one side the stadium had a roof, the side other did not. Why would any architect suggest such a design that provides shelter from the sun or the rain to less than half of the spectators? Could anyone buy tickets to sit under the roof or was it all reserved for VIPs only?
2. Only one side of the stadium could enjoy the viewing of the so-called largest electronic screen in the world. The other side would have to turn around to see it, or not see anything at all being so close to it.
3. Single point entrance for the “people” near the road intersection, which forced you to walk several kilometers each way to and from your venue.
4. A Games Park with no parking facilities for a City with any public transport, Underground, Tube or Metro. Your best choice was to park in the “mud” on the other side of the road, and to take your life in your hands every time you crossed the road. No overpass provided. No legal pedestrian crossing with lights. One woman got killed while crossing the road.
5. During the Opening Ceremonies Qatari athletes on the field were allowed to leave the scene, while other nationals had to stay to the end under the pouring rain.
There will be a great need for enhancing social equality before holding other international events. There should be no class segregation for easy accessing of sites, viewing giant electronic panels, displays or for protection from the elements.
The price of a ticket should only be proportional to the distance of your seat from the field. Qatar has a long way to go, but I believe attitudes can change!
Moudir