From Kallang Roar To Swifties Galore: Our National Stadium Opened 11 Years Ago

Your first time at the new National Stadium – was it to watch a football showdown… or Taylor Swift? Whatever it was, chances are your jaw dropped just a little.

11 years on since it hosted its first event (21 Jun 2014) this landmark is still serving world-class feels today.

Singapore celebrates NDP 2003 at the old National Stadium. | IMAGE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The National Stadium: Then and now

Before the new dome came along, the old National Stadium (1973–2010) was our go-to for everything – from National Day Parades to Fandi Ahmad’s legendary goals during the Malaysia Cup days. It was where generations of Singaporeans cheered, sang, cried (especially during penalty shootouts), and proudly waved our flags.

But after 37 years of loyal service (and a fair amount of wear and tear), the old stadium was retired and demolished in 2010 to make way for something grander. Construction for the Sports Hub began that same year – a bold project with a hefty price tag of $1.33 billion.

View of the National Stadium's exterior. | IMAGE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

So, what makes this stadium so special?

Let’s talk specs – because this is no ordinary dome. The new 55,000-seater National Stadium boasts the largest free-standing dome structure in the world, stretching 312m in diameter and standing 83m tall. It’s also smartly designed to deal with Singapore’s heat.

The roof is made of insulated metal panels that reflect sunlight (so you don’t feel like a grilled satay while watching a match), and the stadium is naturally ventilated with cool air circulated under the seats. Yes, air-con… for your thighs.

And this isn’t a one-trick pony. The stadium can transform for football, rugby, cricket, athletics – even K-pop concerts. The seats on the lowest tier can be moved to bring fans closer to the pitch or pulled back to reveal a running track.

In July 2015, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially launched the new National Stadium in front of 53,000 people.

The Eras Tour in Singapore last year. | IMAGE: ARETHA REYHAN ARYONO

The big moments (so far)

In the last 11 years, the National Stadium has seen plenty of action. From the 2015 SEA Games, where our athletes shone on home ground, to the AFF Championships that brought roaring football crowds back to Kallang.

The stadium also hosted the National Day Parade in 2016, reigniting memories of past parades at the old National Stadium.

And when it comes to concerts? Let’s just say the dome’s got serious range. From Coldplay to JJ Lin – and who could forget last year’s Taylor Swift Eras Tour, which shattered attendance records with over 60,000 fans inside, plus thousands more singing their hearts out outside the dome. 

Oh, and Lady Gaga was just here last month!

2025’s looking pretty lit

You’d think the stadium might slow down after a decade – nope. Here’s what’s coming up this year (for now):

• Singapore Festival of Football (23 & 27 Jul): Premier League giants Arsenal will play against Italian top team AC Milan on 23 Jul, then an English showdown between Arsenal and Newcastle on 27 Jul (we'll be there!)
• Monster Jam (23 Aug): Watch 12,000lb monster trucks fly through the air and stand on two wheels.
• BLACKPINK (29–30 Nov): BLINKS, assemble. It's going to be an explosion of lightsticks, pink glitter, and high notes.

And over at the indoor stadium, Japan’s Empress of J-Pop Ayumi Hamasaki is making her grand return to Singapore on 5 Jul, while the Black Eyed Peas will get your boom boom pow on 25 Aug.

Singapore Indoor Stadium. | IMAGE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Part of the Singapore Sports Hub

The National Stadium is just one part of the wider Singapore Sports Hub – a 35-hectare wonderland for sports lovers. There’s an Aquatic Centre, Water Sports Centre, retail mall, skate park, and even restaurants with sunset views. You can jog along the 100PLUS Promenade, rent a kayak for a leisurely paddle down Kallang Basin, or catch a basketball match next door at the Indoor Stadium.

And for the entire month of June, the Sports Hub becomes a playground for the young (and young at heart) with free track access, inflatable bouncy castles, Insta-worthy photo ops, and treats for the kids.

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