The project, managed by the Investment and Construction Project Management Board for Civil and Industrial Works, aims to address the deterioration of the city's oldest sports facility after decades of use.

Currently, many parts of the stadium are severely damaged. Stand B has been out of operation since 2023, while functional rooms, athlete dormitories, and restrooms no longer meet safety or functional standards.

Rendering of Thong Nhat Stadium after renovation. *Photo: Project Management Board*

According to the design, the project is a class II civil construction, including the construction of new stands B, C1, and D1. Specifically, stand B will feature one basement level and three above-ground levels with two spectator decks, covering a total area of over 20,300 square meters and accommodating nearly 9,800 seats.

Existing stands will also be renovated, including stand A (4,268 seats), stand C (1,894 seats), and stand D (1,805 seats). After the upgrade, the stadium's total capacity will reach approximately 17,750 seats.

The project will also replace the entire pitch and upgrade the athletics track to international standards. Additionally, it will renovate the gates, fences, and landscaping, and upgrade the mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems, including power, lighting, water supply and drainage, fire protection, and smart low-voltage systems.

The facility is expected to be completed in 2027. During construction, matches for Ho Chi Minh City teams in the V-League and First Division will temporarily relocate to Go Dau Stadium (formerly Binh Duong).

Equipment at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Thong Nhat Stadium renovation and upgrade project on the morning of 24/3. *Photo: Thanh Nhan*

Thong Nhat Stadium, built in 1929 and inaugurated in 1931, was previously known as Renault and Cong Hoa before being renamed Thong Nhat in 1975. The facility, with a capacity of nearly 20,000 seats, is an icon for football and athletics in Ho Chi Minh City.

In a city of over 14 million people that lacks large-scale sports facilities, the upgrade of Thong Nhat Stadium is considered an urgent immediate solution. In the long term, the city is developing the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex with an investment exceeding 145,000 billion VND, expected to become an international-standard sports hub.

Duc Dong