2019 has been a year that will go down in the annals of history as the year Saudi Arabia became a major hub for sporting events.
From Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight boxing triumph in Diriyah to the return of Formula E motor racing, can now be added two major footballing events, as the country gets set to host some of Europe’s finest.
The Italian Super Cup, or Supercoppa Italiana, will be held in Riyadh next Sunday, between Serie A champions Juventus and Coppa Italia winners Lazio at King Saud University Stadium. It is the second year in a row the competition will be hosted by the Kingdom.
Furthermore, after announcing the famed Dakar Rally will take to the Kingdom’s dunes from Jan. 5-17, Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority (GSA) has announced the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de Espana) will take place from Jan. 8-12, contested by Real Madrid, city rivals Atletico Madrid, Valencia and reigning Spanish champions Barcelona.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday in Jeddah, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the GSA, said: “As an extension of a long-term strategy that aims to position the Kingdom as one of the most important global destinations to enjoy the best sports tournaments, we are very happy to host the Spanish Super Cup in a five-day soccer festival in Jeddah.”
The press conference revealed that tickets for the semifinal matches between Valencia and Real on Jan. 8, and Barcelona and Atletico on Jan. 9, would start from SR75 ($19.99), with tickets for the final on Jan. 12 starting from SR150.
