Doha, January 09 (QNA) - The iconic Lusail Stadium is gearing up to welcome fans on Friday for the opening of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

The opening match between Qatar, the defending champion and the host country, and the Lebanese national team will start at 7 p.m. The opening ceremony of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 will begin at 5 p.m.

The stadium has a fan area that will allow the fans to enjoy a variety of cultural and entertainment events and activities that take place on the sidelines of the tournament, including live sessions and shows, in addition to areas for games and food trucks.

Fans can meet the family of the Asian Cup mascot, who will add more excitement and fun to the festive atmosphere during match days.

The audience is advised to arrive early at the stadiums hosting the continental event, as the gates will be opened five hours before the start of the match whistle.

For those who drive their own cars to reach the stadium, there is the option of parking and walking, and they must follow the directional signs to locate the nearest car park. There are also taxi apps such as Karwa and ride-sharing at designated pick-up and drop-off points, which are a 20-minute walk from the stadium.

It is expected that some roads around the stadiums will be closed on the opening day of the match.

Asian Cup tickets are available in digital formats that can be shown from any mobile device, and a Hayya card is not required to enter stadiums. Volunteers and several working teams will be located throughout the stadiums to provide support and assistance to the fans.

Fans are recommended to adhere to the instructions and guidelines for attending matches, and a list of prohibited substances will be shared on the tournaments digital platforms.

Lusail Stadium can be easily reached via the Doha Metro, by using the red line to Lusail Metro Station, located a 10-minute walk away from the stadium.

Qatar is hosting the Asian Cup for the third time in its history, achieving a record in hosting the Asian Football event after successfully hosting the tournament in 1988 and 2011.

In the eighteenth edition of the continental event, 24 of the best teams in Asia will compete to win the Asian crown. The tournament will include 51 matches, which will be held in nine stadiums built according to the latest specifications.

The amazing stadium has a capacity of 80,000 seats and is famous for hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final.

Qatar hosted the Asian Cup, the most important tournament in the Asian continent, twice in 1988 and 2011.

Qatar, the defending champion, are looking forward to retaining the title on their home soil and in front of their fans after winning the title in 2019. (QNA)