Shah Alam Stadium

Overview

Consisting of huge six level semi-enclosed spaces, it was a copy of the Hajduk stadium Poljud in Split, Croatia (built in 1979). It was the biggest stadium in Malaysia before the completion of the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. The frame structure has been the longest free-standing arc in the world. The stadium was designed by a well known Malaysian Architect, Hijjaz Kasturi.

The stadium has around 5,500 car bays in parking lots surrounding the stadium. The stadium has become the major landmark in Shah Alam due to its scale and magnificent architecture. Other than sporting facilities, the stadium also has a go-kart racing circuit.

History

Built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, construction began on 1 January 1990 at a cost of RM 469 million. A half-marathon was held in December 1993 as part of celebrations for the opening of the stadium.

The stadium was officially opened on 16 July 1994 with a series of international friendly matches sponsored by Matsushita. Dundee United played a Selangor selection in the first game of an invitational tournament, drawing 1–1. The first goal at the stadium was scored by Billy McKinlay. Other teams in the tournament were Bayern Munich, Leeds United, the Australian Olympic team "Olyroos", and Flamengo (who won the tournament). The international friendly matches only attracted 5,000 spectators each and was seen as an "amateur competition".

The Malaysia Cup finals was held in the stadium for the first time in December 1994. Bon Jovi made its debut Malaysian concert in the stadium on 4 May 1995.

Once, Universiti Teknologi MARA's (UiTM) Faculty of Performing Arts occupied a portion of the stadium as its faculty building prior to the completion of the Puncak Perdana satellite campus of the university.

In 2011, RM 3.4 million was spent by the Selangor government to renovate the stadium to upgrade the lighting system, roof repairs, new grass for the pitch as well as to replace vandalised seats, improving the sound system, upgrading the dressing rooms, repainting some parts of the stadium, repairing the washrooms as well as other facilities. In 2014, RM 2.4mil was spent for the second phase of upgrading works, which includes replacing more than 500 roof tiles, replacing grass on the damaged parts of the field with the seashore paspalum variety, upgrading the changing rooms and toilets, repairing the public address system and two generator sets.

Since December 2015, on several occasions Shah Alam Stadium has been closed for maintenance work. Works in 2016 were needed to prepare it for the Malaysia Super League (MSL) season. These included replowing the field and resurfacing with ‘cow grass’, which costs about RM200,000, and was completed by 19 March. The lighting system was also upgraded from 1,200 lux to 2,000 lux. All these were completed before the opening match between Selangor and Kedah on 5 April.

The demolition of the stadium started in 2024 with expectation to take until mid-2025. The stadium was completely torn down on 27 January 2025.

Matches

2007 AFF Championship

The semi-final match between Malaysia and Singapore was held here on the first leg tie, replaced the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on renovation for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. The match ended 1–1 draw, with a goals of Mohammad Hardi Jaafar for Malaysia and Noh Alam Shah for Singapore.

Exhibition match

On 29 July 2008, an exhibition match was played between the Malaysia Select team and Chelsea. The match ended in a 2–0 win for the English side, courtesy of goals from Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole. Fellow Premier League club Arsenal took on a Malaysia XI team on 13 July 2011, as part of the club's Asia Tour.

2014 AFF Championship

The semi-final match between Malaysia and Vietnam was held here on the first leg tie. The score ended 1–2 to away team. Safiq Rahim scores a brace from a penalty spot.

Malaysia Cup matches

1994 Malaysia Cup Final

The first Malaysia Cup Final held at the Shah Alam Stadium was on 17 December 1994 (68th edition) when Singapore FA defeated Pahang FA 4–0. Goals from Abbas Saad (Hat-trick) and Fandi Ahmad became the fourth team to claim the double, FAM Dunhill Liga Perdana and FAM Dunhill Piala Malaysia after Johor FA in 1991, Pahang FA in 1992, and Kedah FA in 1993. Fandi Ahmad lifted the trophy in front of more than 50,000 Singaporean fans that traveled to the stadium. It was Singapore's FA 24th Malaysia Cup title since their last triumph in 1980.

The 2011-2013 and 2015-2018 editions of the Malaysia Cup were held at Shah Alam Stadium.

In the 2015 Malaysia Cup, it was considered as a home advantage for Shah Alam Stadium tenants, Selangor FA. The match was also considered as a déjà vu of the 2015 Malaysia Cup. Again in 2018 Malaysia Cup final between Perak vs Terengganu has been held in this stadium. This game was a dramatic final inducing two red cards for both teams, fighting, and two last-minute goals for Perak. Draw 3-3 after extra time and won by penalty shootout 4-1 for Perak TBG.

Recent tournament results

[[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship]]

[[Football at the 2001 Southeast Asian Games|2001 Southeast Asian Games]]

[[2007 AFF Championship]]

[[2007 AFC U-16 Women's Championship]]

[[2007 AFC Asian Cup]]

[[2014 AFF Championship]]

[[Football at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games|2017 Southeast Asian Games]]

In popular culture

Shah Alam Stadium was featured in a challenge in the first leg of The Amazing Race Asia 1 where teams had to ride go-karts around the circuit.

References

References

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