Riyadh's inaugural football fan zone, constructed entirely from recycled plastic pallets, stands as a pioneering venture in sustainability, according to its sponsors. Spearheaded by Saudi Arabian Logistics (SAL), this eco-conscious initiative situated in Laysen Valley within the capital city provides football enthusiasts with an innovative setting to spectate the Roshn Saudi League matches.

Boasting a seating capacity exceeding 250, the fan zone promises an immersive viewing experience for the league's final five matches, culminating in the crowning of the champion. The distinctive feature of this construction lies in its seating layout, meticulously crafted from repurposed plastic pallets, strategically designed to foster interaction among fans.

SAL's motivation for undertaking this project aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambitious sustainability objectives, particularly in combating plastic pollution and advancing the principles of a circular economy. Faisal Albedah, SAL's Managing Director and CEO, elucidated on the genesis of the fan zone, citing the company's steadfast commitment to sustainability and ingenuity. He emphasized SAL's utilization of plastic pallets in their daily operations across 18 stations nationwide in collaboration with the Oil Sustainability Program.

Moreover, SAL's initiative signifies a concerted effort to address environmental concerns and mitigate deforestation by showcasing the viability of recycled materials. As the logistical sponsor of the Saudi Pro League, SAL aims to foster community cohesion through shared football enjoyment while championing sustainable practices.

Mohammed Al-Tayyar, the Program Director at the OSP, underscored the pivotal role of plastic pallets in promoting environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. From an environmental standpoint, Al-Tayyar highlighted the recyclability and resource efficiency of plastic pallets, which not only circumvent the need for tree extraction but also contribute to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions due to their extended lifespan and reusability.

The debut of the fan zone marks a significant milestone in Riyadh's sporting landscape, symbolizing a paradigm shift towards sustainable fan engagement initiatives. As spectators converge in Laysen Valley to witness the climax of the Roshn Saudi League, they simultaneously endorse the cause of environmental sustainability.

Since its inauguration, the fan zone has garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees, with the inaugural event attracting over 200 enthusiastic fans rooting for Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. Al-Bedah expressed satisfaction with this reception, affirming the efficacy of SAL's strategy and signaling a commitment to further innovative endeavors in the future.

Al-Tayyar revealed the OSP's intentions to replicate the success of the fan zone across various industries, aiming to identify, replicate, and adapt sustainable solutions to address global needs in transportation, materials, and utilities.

As the Roshn Saudi League draws to a close with its final matches, spectators at the fan zone remain hopeful not only for historic sporting moments on the field but also for groundbreaking advancements in sustainable sports infrastructure.