Home Ground Review: Watching A Tampines Rovers Match At One Tampines Hub
After watching FC Jurong at Jurong East Stadium, I headed east for my next Home Ground review: a Tampines Rovers match at Our Tampines Hub.
The fixture had an extra edge, too. Tampines faced their longtime rivals, Geylang International, in the Singapore Premier League Eastern Derby, so I was curious to see whether the atmosphere would match the occasion.
As a football fan who often plans his holidays around stadium visits, I wanted to experience what matchdays are like closer to home. I’m checking out Singapore’s football grounds and rating everything from the tickets and merchandise to the seats, food, and atmosphere.
Our Tampines Hub has a big advantage over many other grounds: it is part of a mall, with plenty of food options and amenities close by. But how does the full matchday experience stack up? Is it better than watching the Lion City Sailors at Jalan Besar Stadium?
Here’s how I rated the night.
How much are Tampines Rovers match tickets?
Just like the FC Jurong match, I bought my $21 ticket on Trip.com. Entry to the stands is on the second floor, and with no seat numbers, you can take your pick.
Here's where I discovered there are corners of the stadium where you can stand and watch the game for free. I've been told you can also watch the match from inside the library while enjoying the air-conditioning (but I'm not sure if the staff will kick you out).
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(1⭐ = Too expensive; 5⭐ = Excellent value)
A lot of people were crowding the merch stand at half time. | IMAGE: NICHOLAS YONG
What merchandise can you buy at a Tampines Rovers match?
My first stop was the merchandise stand. Jerseys are $80 each, with $10 off for season pass members. The club also offered four different keychain designs and a nice scarf for sale.
I asked whether I could get a player’s name printed on a jersey. It’s possible, but I'd have to place the order online and get it shipped to me.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(1⭐ = Nothing to buy; 5⭐ = Spoilt for choice)
My view. The stadium was way bigger than I thought it would be. | IMAGE: NICHOLAS YONG
Where should you sit at Our Tampines Hub stadium?
The crowd started arriving about half an hour before kick-off. If you get there early, you should have a good chance of finding a seat near the halfway line, around the middle rows, for a clear view of the match.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(1⭐ = Uncomfortable, poor view; 5⭐= Comfortable, great view)
There were many food options, but I wanted to have McNuggets. | IMAGE: NICHOLAS YONG
What food and drinks are available at Our Tampines Hub?
This was probably the best food experience I’ve had at a Singapore stadium so far. Since Our Tampines Hub is also a mall, you can bring in food from its restaurants and enjoy it during the match. Some fans had the right idea: they bought takeaway before kick-off and saved it for half-time.
I spotted Guzman y Gomez, Old Chang Kee, MOS Burger and Tenderfresh among the many options. I had my eye on only one – McDonald’s. You can skip the queue by placing your order on the app and going to restaurant to collect it, which is a less than 10-minute walk there and back.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(1⭐ = Too expensive, barely any choice; 5⭐ = Great selection, affordable prices)
What is the atmosphere like at a Tampines Rovers match?
This was an extra special game because Tampines were playing long-time rivals Geylang International, with the winner taking top spot on the Singapore Premier League table. Both sets of fans brought plenty of energy. Each team had a cheering section that chanted throughout the match, with a few barbs exchanged between the rival groups.
The Tampines fans around me didn't join in the chanting, which was a little disappointing. I would've loved to see more of the crowd clapping and singing together.
But as the match looked set to end in a goalless draw, some Tampines fans stood up and began urging the players to score a goal. All in all, a very lively feel.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(1⭐ = Quiet; 5⭐ = Excited crowd)
Is watching Tampines Rovers at Our Tampines Hub worth it?
If I lived nearby, I could imagine making a Tampines match part of my dinner outing. There are so many food options around that I could probably convince my non-fan wife to come along for a meal and a game.
The derby atmosphere had plenty of energy, even if I wished more Tampines fans had joined in the chants. There were the usual “b*toh” chants when the referee was deemed to be playing sides (he wasn’t) and plenty of back and forth action.
While certain corners of Tampines Hub give you a free view of the match, you'd have to stand throughout. Buying a ticket gives me a way better view and, more importantly, a chance to support local football.
Our Tampines Hub may not have had the loudest home crowd I’ve experienced, but its convenience makes it one of the easiest grounds to enjoy. I’d happily come back for another match. And maybe persuade my wife to come along next time.
More importantly, which Singapore football ground should I review next?
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