By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
An interior view of the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Singapore Sports Hub, Sunday, June 22, 2014 — The newly built National Stadium opened its doors to its first major sporting event over the weekend, providing members of the public a preview of its state-of-the-art facilities.
The 55,000-seater National Stadium played host to the inaugural World Club 10s Rugby, which featured top international players such as Piri Weepu, who plays for the New Zealand All Blacks.
The venue has a retractable roof that allows events to go on, rain or shine. A localised comfort cooling technology ensures that athletes and spectators can enjoy events without having to worry about hot weather conditions.
National rugger Reiner Leong had a taste of playing on the new hybrid pitch when he suited up for the Asia Pacific Dragons at the World Club 10s Rugby. “I’ve never played in a pitch like that before. Kudos to the amount of work that the management have done to get it ready. It’s outstanding. Definitely exemplary,” said Leong.
Mr Low Teo Ping, President of the Singapore Rugby Union, said, “When I stepped in here, it was really ‘wow’. Things have actually fallen into place very nicely over the past few weeks. The pitch is similar to that of Twickenham and Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom. Quality-wise, it is definitely one of the best.”
Mr Richard Seow, Chairman of Sport Singapore, said, “The first thing that strikes me is the ambience. When the roof is closed, the blowers are turned on, creating a really nice temperature, one that’s really great to watch sport in. It will be wonderful, and I can’t wait to see 55,000 people here at the National Stadium, and this is what we have been waiting for, for a long time.”
“So far, people’s views have been very positive and I’m very happy about that. I just want to encourage more Singaporeans to come out and capitalize on what has been built for them,” said Mr Lim Teck Yin, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Singapore.
25-year-old Eunice Chu was at the National Stadium to play in a women’s exhibition game during the World Club 10s Rugby. “Imagine the whole stadium being packed with people. I think it will be phenomenal. The structure is fantastic,” said the Singapore Institute of Management rugger.
For more information on the Singapore Sports Hub, visit: http://www.sportshub.com.sg/
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