When the Lions roar into the ASEAN Championship (Hyundai Cup) from 24 July to 7 August, they will do so at the 6,000-seat Jalan Besar Stadium, not the 55,000-capacity National Stadium.
Why?
The National Stadium is booked for National Day Parade rehearsals and the 9 August event.
“All home games in the tournament are currently planned to be held at Jalan Besar Stadium, which meets Asian Football Confederation requirements to host international competitions.
“We will keep fans and the public updated on the Asean Hyundai Cup and look forward to rallying everyone to support our Lions.” said Football Association of Singapore spokesperson to The Straits Times.
National skipper Hariss Harun praised the stadium as the team’s “spiritual home,” noting its intimate atmosphere and fan support.
But even he acknowledges the limitations.
Big matches regularly sell out within hours, leaving thousands of supporters unable to watch live.
In 2023, ASEAN Cup semi-final tickets against Vietnam vanished quickly, highlighting the mismatch between fan demand and stadium size.
The National Stadium, while world-class, is frequently booked for concerts and national events.
Global tours the likes of Taylor Swift and others occupy the venue for days, leaving little room for football fixtures.
Jalan Besar, on the other hand, is too small for regional tournaments and high-demand matches.
This gap between 6,000 and 55,000 seats underscores the need for a mid-tier stadium with a capacity of 15,000 to 20,000.
A mid-tier stadium would alleviate scheduling and accommodation conflicts, preserving a vibrant atmosphere without the logistical and financial demands of the National Stadium.
It could host Singapore Premier League matches, youth tournaments, regional finals, and even concerts too small for the National Stadium but too large for the Indoor Stadium.
Some forum contributors have suggested converting one or both of the former grandstands at Bukit Timah Turf City, which have a combined capacity of 60,000, and the fields of natural grass in front of them into a medium-tier stadium which can seat about 30,000.
The upcoming Toa Payoh Integrated Development is said to have a 10,000-seater stadium, and could well be a mid-tier facility in the years ahead after the venue is up and running.
When not hosting major matches, it could be used for clinics, football training, Premier League games, rugby, and concerts, or grassroots activities and national service passing out parades.
As Singapore prepares for the ASEAN Championship, the need for a mid-tier stadium is clear.
PHOTO: TMSG FILE