Jalan Besar Stadium
Jalan Besar Stadium is a 6,000-capacity football stadium located in Kallang, Singapore. The stadium is part of the Jalan Besar Sports and Recreation Centre, a community sports facility that includes the stadium and a swimming complex.[1] It is the home ground of the Young Lions and Hougang United FC.
 | |
| Location | Kallang, Singapore |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 1°18′36″N 103°51′37″E |
| Owner | Singapore Sports Council |
| Operator | Singapore Sports Council |
| Capacity | 6,000 |
| Surface | artificial turf |
| Scoreboard | Yes |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1932 |
| Renovated | 1999–2003 |
| Tenants | |
| Singapore national football team (1932–present) Young Lions (2003–present) Hougang United (2019–present) LionsXII (2011–2015) | |
The stadium was used for the Singapore national football team's matches while the National Stadium was under construction. The national team may sometimes still play here as an alternative home ground to the National Stadium.
Jalan Besar Stadium is located along Tyrwhitt Road, within the close proximity of the major road Jalan Besar, hence its name.
History
The original stadium was opened on Boxing Day 1929[2] and is considered to be the birthplace of Singapore football.[1] Malaya Cup matches were played at the stadium from 1932 to 1966, and Malaysia Cup matches from 1967 to 1973.[3]
During the Japanese Occupation, the stadium was one of the Sook Ching mass screening sites. During the war, the stadium remained opened and was also used as a language centre to teach the Japanese language.[3]
In 1964 a Mass rally held at the stadium to mourn the death of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
The stadium was also host to many major events in Singapore's history, such as being the venue for the first Singapore Youth Festival in 1955, the first Singapore Armed Forces Day in 1969, and the 1984 National Day Parade.[1]
In December 1999, the original stadium was closed for rebuilding. The new stadium was opened later in June 2003 with a seating capacity of 6,000. The position of the pitch was retained in the exact position as the previous stadium.
In 2006, under the FIFA GOAL plan, the stadium's pitch was relaid with Fifa 1 Star Recommended turf, an artificial turf. The cost of relaying the pitch cost $1 million was funded by the FIFA Goal Programme and FIFA Financial Assistance Plan.[4] In 2008, the stadium's pitch was relaid again at the cost of US$400,000, with Fifa 2 Star Recommended artificial turf, a better quality artificial turf. The cost of re-turfing was borne entirely by Fifa, under Fifa's second Goal Project.[5]
The stadium also hosts S.League games that are shown 'Live' on Starhub cable television every Thursday.
On 24 July 2010, Burnley F.C. played against a Singapore Selection side in the FIS Asian Challenge Cup held at the stadium. The Singapore side lost the game 0-1.[6][7]
During the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics held in Singapore, the stadium was the designated venue for both the boys' and girls' football tournament.[1]
As part of the LionsXII's sponsorship by Kingsmen,[8] the King George's Stand was built in 2012[9] using a temporary stand, increasing the stadium's capacity to 8,000.
On 30 October 2012, a new high-definition LED scoreboard was implemented at the Gallery to provide better quality to the spectators as it will be able replay video highlights of the action on the field.[10] Two new screens were also placed at the two ends of the Grandstand, North and South, to enable better match experience for the Gallery fans.
On 22 May 2013, Atlético Madrid played against a Singapore Selection side in the Peter Lim Charity Cup held at the stadium. The Singapore side lost the game 0-2.[11]
References
- Sharon Seow, "Exploring Jalan Besar", Voices@Central Singapore Issue No. 35, Jul/Aug 2007.
- "Jalan Besar Stadium". Archived from the original on 2012-09-11.
- "Opening of the Jalan Besar Stadium". Malayan Saturday Post, 4 January 1930, Page 6.
- "Jalan Besar Stadium". National Heritage Board. Archived from the original on 2010-08-27.
- "Speech at Inauguration of FIFA Goal Project for Singapore by FAS President". Football Association of Singapore. Archived from the original on 2008-04-07.
- "MILLION-DOLLAR MAKEOVER". Asiaone.
- "Asian Games preparations right on track for Singapore U-23 football team". redsports. 26 July 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
- "Singapore Selection side edged out 1-0 by Burnley". redsports. 25 July 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
- "FAS' reply to media query on King George's Stand". Football Association of Singapore. 24 October 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
- "Year's extension likely for Jalan Besar's King George's Stand". The New Paper. 22 January 2015. Archived from the original on 12 July 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
- http://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/3880/singapore/2012/10/31/3490589/high-definition-led-video-wall-launched-at-jalan-besar
- "Singapore Selection vs Atletico Madrid Preview". goal.
