Kallang roar to fill new stadium on Aug 8

A clash between Singapore and Malaysia on Aug 8 has been confirmed as the first football match that will take place at the new National Stadium, after the Singapore Sports Hub announced a line-up of events to be held there this year.

The rugby World Club 10s on June 21 and 22 will be the first sporting event to be held at the 55,000-seat stadium. The new annual event will feature top professional club rugby teams from around the world.

Other international sporting events that will be held at the $1.33 billion, 35ha facility include the South-east Asia Swimming Championships, Asian Netball Championship and other marquee events like the Singapore Swim Stars (Sept 5-7) and the Women's Tennis Association Championships (Oct 17-26).

Said Football Association of Singapore president Zainudin Nordin: "We look forward to hosting Malaysia for the opening match at the stadium on Aug 8, which will serve as an excellent prelude to our National Day celebrations."

Sports Hub chief executive Philippe Collin Delavaud said the hub will not just be a place for the sporting elite.

He said: "Beyond spectator events, the Singapore Sports Hub will offer community programming, sports experience initiatives and public facilities open to all, young and old. We are looking forward to opening our doors to the public and showcasing all that the Sports Hub has to offer."

Entertainment events include concerts by American country star Taylor Swift (June 12), Korean group 2NE1 (June 28) and Mandarin pop group Sodagreen (Aug 30).

Taiwan singer Jay Chou will perform at the stadium on Nov 8.

This article by The Straits Times was published in MyPaper, a free, bilingual newspaper published by Singapore Press Holdings.

Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.