Shah Alam Stadium has had its day

An aerial view of Shah Alam Stadium, which was built in 1994.

THE announcement that the Shah Alam Sports Complex (SASC) is being rebuilt did not come as a big surprise but was still a hard pill to swallow for many who have fond memories of the facility.

The SASC comprises the Shah Alam Stadium, Malawati Indoor Stadium, Extreme Park and the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre, which is about one kilometre away.

But it is the Shah Alam Stadium that has been the heart of the entire complex for 28 years.

Whether the other surrounding facilities will also go remains to be seen. However, it is highly unlikely the aquatic centre will be torn down and rebuilt.

There is a strong case to be made that 28 years is too soon to tear down a stadium.

After all, the state has spent millions over the years to carry out upgrades.

Despite all that, the stadium is still in a sorry state and has seen little use in the past few years.

Moreover, keeping the stadium around means dealing with flooding and deteriorating parts like the roof, wiring and plumbing, which will continue to cost taxpayers for years to come.

Hundreds of thousands have nostalgic memories of the football matches, concerts and other events held there over the years.

Very few places have bound so many people together in the same way.

I covered numerous assignments at the stadium over the years and I had hoped the place would stay.

Even Selangorians who have not been to the stadium know it is a landmark to be proud of.

After I attended the briefing by the appointed developers on the concept and scope of the new complex last month, it is easy to see that keeping the complex in its current state will be a waste of resources in more ways than one.

For one, spectator attendance at sporting events these days is not what it used to be.

Back when it opened in 1994, the stadium was the largest in the country, capable of seating almost 70,000 spectators with room for another 11,000 standing.

Only once or twice a year would a football match attract close to the stadium’s full capacity.

With newer and more accessible venues available elsewhere for other events, and with few other sources of income (such as rental from tenants), the complex has struggled to earn enough revenue to be self-sustaining.

Plans for the new complex include not just sporting and event facilities but also more commercial outlets to keep it sustainable.

The new stadium itself is expected to retain a semblance of its predecessor’s silhouette and downsized to accommodate 35,000 to 45,000 spectators while bringing the action closer to fans.

Secondly, the design of the current 80ha complex, unfortunately, does not fully take advantage of the space available for modern needs as it was created in a different era.

The outdoor stadium takes up 15.5ha while the indoor stadium and Extreme Park each take up approximately 10ha.

The mini stadium along with three other football pitches and go kart circuit take up 11ha.

The other half of the complex mostly comprises parking space and empty land.

One of the key objectives of the rebuilding is to draw crowds by liberating the space for greenery and water bodies.

If done right, there could be a steady stream of visitors to the complex for various activities like exercising or family outings.

The development will almost certainly be pedestrian-friendly to take advantage of the nearby LRT3 station.

While plans are not finalised yet, SASC’s successor may promise more benefits to Selangorians and perhaps, it will become the new pride of the state once completed.