Deciding
whether to catch the next match at the new national stadium at Sportshub? My recommendation
is a resounding yes. Here's why:
1. Memories
Kallang
Stadium – This was the name more fondly called previously and brings back
nostalgic memories for Singaporeans, especially the days when Fandi Ahmad and the
Singapore Lions brought back the Malaysia cup. Soccer then held a special
meaning and united all Singaporeans, and the new National Stadium plays a
crucial role of carrying Singapore’s passion for the sport, and bringing the
nation together.
Visit the
new stadium, and take some time to reminisce the good old times.
2. New
Look, Familiar Feel, Electric Atmosphere
The new
stadium is by all angles, spectacular. It spans 88 acres and boasts a seating capacity of
55,000. The design of the stadium was state-of-the-art and it was somewhat
air-conditioned. Yet on my most recent visit to watch the monumental match held
at this new national stadium between Japan
and Brazil, there were things that remained. Something familiar and close to the old stadium, was the atmosphere. And it was intense.
I think I
was lucky – it was Singapore’s 2nd star-studded match (previous one
was Juventus vs Singapore) and naturally the crowd was hysterical after being
deprived of such matches for a while (the whole demolition and construction took
4 years to complete). There were the natural cheerleaders leading the shouts “
We want, we want, Kaka, Kaka!” There
were the taiko drums and rhythmical clapping. And but of course, it was
emotional to do the Kallang Wave again, though now as an adult.
Tickets for
this match were sold out. I took the cheapest ticket at $40, and this was the
level of distance I was away from the pitch:
Looks quite small from the photos, but it is still decent. Not the
nearest, but it was near enough to make out the figure and features of the
likes of Neymar and Kaka. Though I did not get to see Kagawa, I honestly thought $40 was a steal if I compare the exorbitant amount I will have to fork
out for similar tickets in EPL.
I am not
sure if the crowd will be as enthusiastic the next time you are there, but I am
sure watching your stars live in close proximity will be reason enough for you
to get your ticket.
3. Ease of
accessibility and parking
The easiest
way to get to Sportshub stadium is by train.
The
presence of Stadium MRT is one stark differentiation from the past. This has made
travelling so much easier. Take Exit A and you will be ushered to the stadium.
If you
drive, you can buy pre-sold parking to be sure of your
parking lot. Such parking
costs $10.70 each and you will be ushered to designated carparks at the Sports
Hub from Stadium Drive.
If $10.70
is a tad too expensive for you, I will suggest you park at Kallang Leisure park
as there are ample parking space available. The traffic was manageable when I
drove. Oh, remember to bring parking coupons.
The crowd
control was great as well. Though there were hordes of people, it did not feel
chaotic and the flow of traffic was orderly. People dispersed to the many shops
and restaurants in the Kallang Wave mall, which definitely deserve another post
to share its beauty. For a snapshot, this was the kind of scenery which the
mall offered:
Some parts
still need working
Of course,
not all is rosy and one of my main grievances is that the pitch truly needs
some work. A few of the players slipped sporadically during fast pace of play.
Well, let’s give it some time for the grass to grow...
9/10 will
catch the next Soccer match
Overall, if
you are contemplating to watch the next soccer match at the new National
Stadium, go for it. If not, drop by the Kallang Wave at the Sportshub and check
out what is in store!
Hope this was useful for you!
EUFASS
