Forum: Why wasn’t Bishan Stadium considered for ASEAN Championship semi-final?
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The frustration of Singapore football fans who failed to secure tickets for the ASEAN Championship semi-final against Thailand is understandable (“Fans frustrated as tickets for ASEAN C’ship s-final between S’pore and Thailand sell out in a flash”, Aug 12).
The sell-out should be welcomed as evidence of growing support for the Lions. But it also prompts questions on how Singapore plans for major international football matches.
As the 55,000-seat National Stadium is unavailable following the National Day Parade, the Aug 15 semi-final will be played at Jalan Besar Stadium, which has a capacity of only around 6,000 to 7,000 spectators. But Jalan Besar is not necessarily the only alternative venue. Bishan Stadium is another possibility.
In 2025, three temporary spectator stands were added there for the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two (ACL2) Final between the Lion City Sailors and Sharjah. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth itself cited this as an example of an innovative solution for hosting major football matches.
Could a similar arrangement have been considered for the Singapore-Thailand semi-final?
This is the third time since 2020 that Singapore has reached the ASEAN Championship semi-finals. The Lions have also qualified for the Asian Cup. If the national team’s performances continue to improve, larger crowds should be expected whenever important matches are played at home.
The Government has already recognised the need for more options, with the planned NS Square providing 30,000 seats and the Toa Payoh Integrated Development providing 10,000 seats. These are welcome developments.
But until these facilities are ready, we should consider using existing stadiums more creatively, such as by including temporary seating, where appropriate.
The issue is not simply where the Aug 15 semi-final is played. It is also whether Singapore has enough suitable sporting infrastructure and flexible venue arrangements to support the national team if interest in football grows over the next 20 to 30 years.
Gabriel Chia
