From Kallang Roar To Swifties Galore: Our National Stadium Opened 12 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.
12 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)
The National Stadium has seen plenty of action since it opned. 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.
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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