Vietnam has commenced construction on a groundbreaking new football stadium, named PVF, located in the northern province of Hung Yen. This ambitious project aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a retractable roof and a high-standard natural grass pitch designed to meet European specifications. Once completed, the PVF Stadium is envisioned as a multi-purpose venue, capable of hosting a wide array of events beyond traditional football matches, aligning with the operational models of leading stadiums worldwide.
Expected to accommodate over 60,000 spectators, the PVF Stadium will become Vietnam’s largest sports arena, surpassing the capacity of the nation’s current premier venue, My Dinh Stadium, which opened in 2002 and holds 40,192 fans. This significant increase in capacity places the new stadium on par with Cambodia’s Morodok Techo National Stadium. While impressive, its capacity will still be slightly less than some of Southeast Asia’s largest stadiums, such as Indonesia’s Gelora Bung Karno (77,000) and Jakarta Stadium (over 80,000), and Malaysia’s Bukit Jalil National Stadium, which boasts the region’s highest capacity at 87,411.
Construction for the PVF Stadium officially began on October 19. The project is situated within an expansive 92-hectare complex, which Vietnam plans to develop into a comprehensive sports and entertainment hub. This broader development will feature multiple multi-sports halls, entertainment facilities, service areas, and recreational parks, creating a vibrant destination for visitors and athletes alike.
A standout feature of the PVF Stadium will be its advanced retractable roof system. Inspired by iconic venues like the AT&T Stadium in the United States and the Singapore National Stadium, this innovative roofing solution will provide essential protection against adverse weather conditions during events. The automated system is designed to open or close the massive roof within an efficient timeframe of 12 to 20 minutes, ensuring minimal disruption to scheduled activities; for context, AT&T Stadium’s 8,618-ton roof operates in just 12 minutes.
Furthermore, the stadium will boast a natural grass pitch of exceptional quality, adhering to stringent European standards. This premium playing surface is comparable to those found in many top-tier European clubs, including several within the English Premier League. Beyond aesthetics, this advanced turf is engineered to minimize the risk of player injuries during matches and enhance overall player speed and performance. Complementing the pitch will be a sophisticated drainage system and state-of-the-art turf maintenance technologies, commonly employed in leading European stadiums to ensure optimal playing conditions year-round.
Adding to its versatility, the natural grass pitch will incorporate a groundbreaking movable technology. This system will allow sections of the playing field to be retracted or repositioned, creating a more expansive internal space suitable for large-scale non-football events such as concerts, conventions, or other sporting spectacles. Vietnam also intends to utilize the PVF Stadium as a prime venue for major regional football tournaments, specifically targeting the semi-finals and finals of ASEAN championships. It is important to note, however, that the stadium will not include a running track, meaning it will not be suitable for hosting Olympic-style athletic events.
While the exact cost of the PVF Stadium’s construction has not been disclosed by the Vietnamese government, its comprehensive design and advanced technological integrations position it to become one of the most modern and sophisticated sports facilities in the entire Southeast Asian region, setting a new benchmark for national sports infrastructure.
