Jalan Besar Stadium, officially known as the Jalan Besar ActiveSG Stadium, is a prominent multi-purpose football stadium located in Kallang, Singapore. It is an integral part of the Jalan Besar Sports and Recreation Centre, which includes a swimming complex and other community sports facilities. The stadium has played a crucial role in Singapore's sports and cultural history, serving as a key venue for various football matches and significant events.
Historical Background
1. Origins and Early Years
The original Jalan Besar Stadium was inaugurated on December 26, 1929, by R. J. Farrer, the President of the Municipal Commission of Singapore. The stadium's location, along Tyrwhitt Road near Jalan Besar, gave it its name and made it a landmark in the area. It is widely regarded as the birthplace of Singapore football, hosting numerous matches that shaped the development of the sport in the country.
From 1932 to 1966, Jalan Besar Stadium was a prominent venue for the Malaya Cup, a major regional football tournament. The stadium continued to be a significant site for football events, including Malaysia Cup matches from 1967 to 1973. During this period, it became a central hub for football enthusiasts in Singapore and the surrounding region.
2. Japanese Occupation and World War II
During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore (1942-1945), Jalan Besar Stadium was repurposed for various uses. It served as one of the Sook Ching mass screening sites, where local Chinese males were subjected to screenings by Japanese officials. Despite the wartime circumstances, the stadium remained open and was utilized as a language center to teach Japanese to the local population.
3. Post-War Era and Significant Events
In the post-war years, Jalan Besar Stadium continued to be a central venue for football and other significant events. On November 12, 1956, the stadium hosted an exhibition match between the United States men’s national soccer team and the Singapore team as part of the 1956 Summer Olympics preparations. The stadium also played a role in Singapore's political and cultural history, hosting a mass rally on May 30, 1964, led by Singaporean statesman Lee Kuan Yew to honor Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru.
The stadium was the venue for several important events, including the first Singapore Youth Festival in 1955, the first Singapore Armed Forces Day in 1969, and the National Day Parade in 1984.
Modernization and Renovation
1. Closure and Rebuilding
In December 1999, the original Jalan Besar Stadium was closed for rebuilding. The new stadium, which retained the pitch's position, was officially opened in June 2003. With a seating capacity of 6,000, the renovated stadium marked a new chapter in its history, featuring updated facilities and amenities to cater to modern sports and events.
2. Capacity and Facilities
The new stadium's seating capacity was initially 6,000. However, in 2012, the capacity was increased to 8,000 with the addition of the King George's Stand, a removable stand funded by a sponsorship from the local fan club Kingsmen. This expansion allowed the stadium to accommodate larger crowds and enhance the overall spectator experience.
3. Pitch Upgrades
The stadium's pitch has undergone several upgrades to improve playing conditions. In 2006, the stadium’s pitch was relaid with a "FIFA 1 Star Recommended Turf," an artificial turf system. This was followed by a relaying in 2008 with a "FIFA 2 Star Recommended Turf," an improved quality artificial turf. The pitch was again relaid in 2014 and upgraded to a GreenFields Evolution Pro 40 pitch in 2021, featuring a durable shock pad to enhance comfort and performance.
4. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Implementation
In 2022, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced plans to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for the Singapore Premier League (SPL). Jalan Besar Stadium was equipped with remote cameras and pitch-side camera systems to support VAR operations. This technology aims to improve refereeing accuracy and enhance the overall match experience.
Key Events and Uses
1. Home Ground for Football Clubs
Jalan Besar Stadium is the home ground for Young Lions, a Singapore Premier League (SPL) club. The stadium also serves as an alternative home ground for the Singapore national football team, particularly when the National Stadium is unavailable.
The stadium has hosted various local and international football events, including:
- SAFFC (Warriors FC): The stadium was the venue for SAFFC’s AFC Champions League group stage matches in 2009 and 2010, where the team faced prominent clubs such as Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Kashima Antlers, and Shanghai Shenhua.
- Singapore Selection XI: The stadium hosted matches involving the Singapore Selection XI against international teams, including Burnley in the FIS Asian Challenge Cup (July 24, 2010) and Atlético Madrid in the Peter Lim Charity Cup (May 22, 2013).
- Youth Olympics: During the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics held in Singapore, Jalan Besar Stadium was the designated venue for both the boys' and girls' football tournaments.
2. International Friendly Matches
Jalan Besar Stadium has hosted several high-profile friendly matches, including:
- Atlético Madrid vs. Singapore Selection XI: On May 22, 2013, Atlético Madrid defeated the Singapore Selection XI 2-0 in a friendly match held at the stadium.
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Lion City Sailors: On November 24, 2022, Borussia Dortmund played a friendly against the Singapore Premier League champions, Lion City Sailors. The match ended in a 7-2 victory for the German club.
3. AFC Champions League and AFC Cup
In 2023, Jalan Besar Stadium was chosen as one of the venues for the 2023-24 AFC Champions League and AFC Cup group stage matches. The stadium's facilities meet the tournament's standards, and it is rated as a FIFA 2 Star Recommended Turf. This marks the first time since 2010 that Singapore will host group stage matches for the AFC Champions League.
Location and Accessibility
Jalan Besar Stadium is strategically located near Lavender MRT station on the East–West Line (EWL) and Bendemeer MRT station on the Downtown Line (DTL). Despite its name, the stadium is closer to Bendemeer MRT station than Jalan Besar MRT station. The stadium's location makes it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors attending events.
Jalan Besar Stadium is a historic and versatile sports venue that has played a significant role in Singapore's sports and cultural landscape. From its origins in 1929 to its modern renovations and upgrades, the stadium has been a central hub for football and other events. Its continued use as the home ground for Young Lions and an alternative venue for the Singapore national football team highlights its importance in the local football scene.
With its rich history, upgraded facilities, and commitment to supporting various sports and community activities, Jalan Besar Stadium remains a cherished landmark in Singapore’s sporting infrastructure. Its ability to host major events and its role in the development of football in the region underscore its significance as a key venue for both local and international sports.