Singaporeans get first close-up glimpse of the Sports Hub and its facilities

Visitors came to walk around the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Visitors came to walk around the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Visitors came to walk around the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Visitors came to walk around the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Visitors came to walk around the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Visitors came to walk around the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Fireworks lit up the skies above the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014, as thousands of Singaporeans explored for the first time the long-awaited venue. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Fireworks lit up the skies above the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014, as thousands of Singaporeans explored for the first time the long-awaited venue. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Fireworks lit up the skies above the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014, as thousands of Singaporeans explored for the first time the long-awaited venue. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Fireworks lit up the skies above the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014, as thousands of Singaporeans explored for the first time the long-awaited venue. -- ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH
Fireworks lit up the skies above the Sports Hub on Friday, June 27, 2014, as thousands of Singaporeans explored for the first time the long-awaited venue. -- ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Fireworks lit up the skies above the Sports Hub on Friday night as thousands of Singaporeans explored for the first time the long-awaited venue. -- ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH

SINGAPORE - Fireworks lit up the skies above the Sports Hub on Friday night as thousands of Singaporeans explored for the first time the long-awaited venue.

Although facilities such as the Sports Hub centrepiece, the National Stadium, were not yet open to the public, visitors still came from 4pm onwards to walk around the 35ha compound. They played games such as beach volleyball and floorball along its waterfront area, shopped at the Kallang Wave mall and about 6,000 people took part in a 'walk-a-jog' event.

On Saturday, the second and final day of the open house, visitors to the Kallang venue will get a sneak preview of indoor facilities such as the Aquatic Centre. The Sports Hub will hold a water polo competition and a synchronised swimming and diving display by national athletes. The Centre boasts two Olympic-size swimming pools and a five-metre deep diving pool.

From 9am to 4pm, visitors will also be able to try out nine different sports - including judo, badminton and silat - at multi-purpose indoor hall the OCBC Arena. Equipment will be provided and coaches will be on hand.

All sports facilities are free for use until July 31. Fees have yet to be announced.

On Saturday night, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra will perform a concert called Our People, Our Music at the National Stadium, where a crowd of around 20,000 is expected. Free guided tours of the stadium will start next month.

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