ST PHOTOS: CAROLINE CHIA, DESMOND LIM, ASHLEIGH SIM, DESMOND WEE, ALBERT SIM

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None more so than Annie Tan, who came armed with a lifetime's worth of memories.

The 70-year-old grandmother was accompanied by her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.

'I was here for the opening ceremony in 1973,' she said. 'I had many wonderful memories of it.

'So I wanted to be back and be a part of the Kallang Roar for the last time.'

Like Tan's family, Singaporeans from every generation came to soak up the lively atmosphere at the stadium one last time.

The stands were a riot of red. And banners, flags and the beat of the kompangs (Malay drums) combined for a spirited occasion.

Among those in scarlet livery was actor Edmund Chen, 43, who grew up watching the likes of football legend Quah Kim Song.

He said: 'When I saw the torch being lit, I felt sad because, by the end of tonight, they were going to extinguish it.'

For many, last night's closing events were a last chance to share the magic of Kallang with their young ones.

Said Yanah Lee, 37, who brought her four children along: 'My husband first brought me to the stadium in 1992 to watch soccer.

'I'm sad I won't be able to see the old stadium anymore. But I'm glad to share the evening with my kids.'

When the stadium's cauldron, first lit at the 1973 Seap Games, was finally doused, more than one spectator was left misty-eyed.

'When the fire went out, I nearly cried,' said Mohamed Ali, 63, who attended Malaysia Cup games with his late wife in the 80s and 90s. 'The stadium was a part of my life that I will never forget.'

Added Steven Ooi, 32, a Lions fan club member: 'I feel gutted. Nothing can replace the special feeling, the history and the unique atmosphere of the stadium. We must take some time to mourn this Old Lady.'

Hamzah Sapii, 18, maintains that the old memories are irreplaceable.

'For me, the old stadium will always be better. So many unforgettable things,' he said.

tvoon@sph.com.sg