Will Bishan Stadium Rise to the Challenge?

SINGAPORE – The Lion City Sailors have made waves by reaching the final of the AFC Champions League Two, but doubts linger whether they can actually host the May 18 showdown. With their current home, Jalan Besar Stadium, ruled unfit by the Asian Football Confederation, the search for a suitable venue has become critical.

Sharjah, the West region finalists from the UAE, criticized Jalan Besar, deeming it "not suitable" for fans and stakeholders. While the sprawling National Stadium could have been the perfect alternative, it's booked for a Lady Gaga concert, leaving the Sailors scrambling for another option.

Bishan Stadium: The Last Hope

Enter Bishan Stadium, which has emerged as the only remaining option. On Wednesday, the AFC granted provisional approval for Bishan, pending a final evaluation in early May. But time is running out for the Sailors, who are racing to implement critical upgrades.

What Upgrades Are Needed?

Bishan Stadium, with a permanent capacity of just 2,800, needs significant enhancements to meet the AFC's requirements. Plans are underway to erect three temporary stands, boosting capacity to around 10,000. However, this number is just a starting point, as specific allocations are also needed for VVIPs, VIPs, and media.

Historically, Singapore’s stadiums have frequently utilized temporary structures to accommodate larger crowds, but these are often basic and lack designated seating. For the prestigious ACL Two final, Bishan will require more sophisticated arrangements akin to past upgrades made at Jalan Besar.

Boosting Workspaces and Media Facilities

Bishan's previous operational space was minimal, with a few small offices and a basic conference room. The neighboring sports center could serve as a makeshift media hub, as seen during major events like the 2015 Southeast Asian Games. However, substantial temporary office facilities will be crucial for the organizing committee and other stakeholders.

Lighting Challenges Ahead

One of the reasons Jalan Besar was deemed unsuitable was due to inadequate lighting. AFC regulations dictate specific lighting standards based on the event's scale. The final falls under higher 'Category 3' requirements, necessitating advanced lighting that Bishan currently lacks. Upgrades to the floodlighting system will be a must for this event.

Pitch Perfect? Not Quite!

Bishan’s natural pitch presents an advantage over Jalan Besar's artificial surface, but initial evaluations have shown that it doesn’t yet meet AFC standards either. Singapore's humid climate complicates the upkeep of high-quality grass pitches, often leading to waterlogged conditions. Possible solutions may involve a rapid installation of pre-grown turf, similar to past fixes used at the National Stadium.

Will Bishan Make the Cut?

As the clock ticks down to the final, the Lion City Sailors, with support from the Football Association of Singapore, face significant hurdles in upgrading Bishan Stadium to meet AFC standards. Can they pull off a remarkable transformation in time for the big match?