In late December 2023, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City submitted a proposal to the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and the Executive Committee of the City Party Committee regarding the plan to host the 10th National Sports Games in 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.
The renovation and upgrading of Thong Nhat Stadium is part of this project.
Completed by the end of 2025
Mr. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, said: "To prepare for the 2026 National Sports Games, the city's sports sector, as the beneficiary unit, will coordinate with relevant agencies to repair and upgrade facilities at major sports complexes, such as Thong Nhat Stadium, Phu Tho Sports Arena, Phu Tho Sports Training Center, Hoa Lu Sports Center, Phu Tho Swimming and Diving Club…"
Panoramic view of Thong Nhat Stadium (Photo: THAO HOANG)
Following the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's policy of hosting the 2026 National Sports Games, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council has passed resolutions on this matter, and nearly 1,000 billion VND will be allocated to renovate and upgrade facilities to serve the organization of the Games.
Specifically for Thong Nhat Stadium, the venue for the opening ceremony and the main competition venue for athletics and football, major renovations will be carried out on the B grandstand area, including laying a synthetic asphalt surface for the athletics track and upgrading the functional rooms. Experience gained from renovating the stadium for events such as the 1998 Tiger Cup and the 2003 SEA Games will be applied to this renovation.
A view of Thong Nhat Stadium (Photo: QUOC AN)
Mr. Tran Dinh Huan, General Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation (HFF) and Director of the Thong Nhat Sports Center, said: "It is expected that the stadium site will be handed over to the construction unit in January 2025 and completed in December 2025. During the upgrade of Stand B, the construction will be enclosed so as not to affect the playing field, Stands A, C and D. Therefore, the upgrade process will not affect the matches of Ho Chi Minh City football teams in 2025."
Improve professional quality, attract audiences.
Head coach of Ho Chi Minh City FC, Phung Thanh Phuong, expressed his delight upon learning that Thong Nhat Stadium will be renovated and upgraded. "Thong Nhat Stadium is one of the oldest football stadiums in Ho Chi Minh City in particular, and the whole country in general. There was a time when the stands were packed with spectators watching exciting matches. The renovation and upgrading of Thong Nhat Stadium will attract more Ho Chi Minh City football fans to come and cheer on the teams live, thereby motivating the players and improving the quality of the matches," Coach Phung Thanh Phuong stated.
Mr. Tran Huu Nghia, a veteran football fan in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed: "Ho Chi Minh City fans want to witness the Vietnamese national team play live, but most events featuring the national team take place in the North, where there are large, internationally standard stadiums. Therefore, the upcoming renovation of Thong Nhat Stadium, transforming it into an international standard stadium, is very welcome news. We look forward to the day Thong Nhat Stadium, now more beautiful and modern, officially opens."
Many football fans in Ho Chi Minh City expressed their delight at hearing the news that Thong Nhat Stadium is being renovated and upgraded. Having another international-standard stadium in Ho Chi Minh City will also help the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) be more proactive in organizing and hosting international football tournaments.
"If Ho Chi Minh City had a new, modern stadium, we could host major international matches, inviting famous foreign clubs to play for the fans. Ho Chi Minh City FC would also be more proud to play at home in a stadium with modern facilities and a large audience," - Ho Chi Minh City FC leader Nguyen Van Hung expressed his hope.
The Thong Nhat Stadium is being registered by Ho Chi Minh City FC as their home stadium for the 2024-2025 season. Additionally, it will also be the home stadium for the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Team 1, which will host the AFC Champions League group stage in October 2024.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/thay-ao-moi-cho-san-thong-nhat-196240920212009965.htm
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