Bishan Stadium s capacity to be expanded to 10 000 for Lion City Sailors Asian Champs League 2 final

SINGAPORE – Preparations are under way to expand Bishan Stadium’s capacity to 10,000 for the Lion City Sailors’ historic Asian Champions League Two (ACL2) final against Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates on May 18.

In a media statement on May 5, the club said that stands are being erected on three sides of the pitch so that the stadium can accommodate over three times more fans for the continental showpiece. The main stand’s capacity is 2,800.

When The Straits Times visited the stadium on the same day, workers were seen erecting the north stand and putting finishing touches to the east stand, with the help of a lorry crane. The south stand seemed to be completed.

Bishan Stadium was a designated rally site during the recent general election, but the pitch looked fine after protective boards, which were used to cover the field during the campaigning period, were removed on May 2.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC),which had earlier granted provisional approval for the Sailors to host the final at Bishan, is expected to conduct a final inspection this week.

“The significant effort to prepare the venue for the final reflects the Sailors’ commitment to ensure that this historic occasion can be enjoyed by as many fans as possible,” added the club statement.

“It is also the Sailors’ desire to create an immersive atmosphere worthy of a continental cup final as the team chases glory on home soil.”

Sailors chairman Forrest Li added in the statement: “This final is not just a milestone for the Sailors – it’s a celebration of Singapore football.

“We can’t wait to see the stands