SINGAPORE: Bishan Stadium is gearing up for an unforgettable evening as the Lion City Sailors prepare to face off against Sharjah FC of the UAE in the AFC Champions League Two final on Sunday, May 18. This momentous occasion marks a milestone in Singapore football, as it's the first time a local club has reached such a prestigious continental final.

Within just 24 hours of ticket sales opening, the event sold out, igniting excitement among fans eager to witness history.

The Sailors, fresh from securing the Singapore Premier League title, stand on the brink of achieving a remarkable double victory!

However, excitement comes with urgent preparations, as the stadium undergoes significant upgrades to meet necessary standards for the match.

State-of-the-Art Enhancements Underway!

New developments at Bishan Stadium include constructing three additional stands, dramatically increasing capacity to accommodate around 10,000 spectators.

Over 100 workers have been diligently preparing the venue since receiving the green light on April 25 to host this vital match, initially set for the National Stadium. The larger venue was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts with Lady Gaga's Mayhem concert.

Meanwhile, the Jalan Besar Stadium was also dismissed as an option after concerns were raised over its pitch quality and capacity.

Relocation of Facilities and Pitch Refurbishments!

Improvements also involve transferring seating for the dugouts from the National Stadium, upgrading floodlights for broadcast needs, and revitalizing portions of the track.

New lockers have been installed in the air-conditioned away dressing room, further enhancing the experience for teams.

Carolyn Chia, the Sailors’ head of operations, hailed the upgrades as a true team effort: "It's crucial for us to ensure a spectacular show for the final. Hosting the finals in Singapore not only supports the players but is also incredibly convenient for our fans who are already familiar with Bishan as our home ground during league games."

Ensuring Pitch Perfection!

The stadium’s pitch is receiving top-notch care as well. Pitch architect Jonathan Teo from Kallang Alive Sport Management reported that prior to the preparations, the pitch was at 70 to 80 percent condition.

Special covers were utilized to protect the pitch during recent General Election rallies, and the maintenance regime mirrors that of the National Stadium, famous for its impressive design and microclimate.

Teo’s goal is to elevate the pitch to meet FIFA competition standards, assuring a prime playing surface for this high-stakes match.

A Spectacular Fan Experience Awaits!

Fans can expect an enhanced match-day extravaganza, complete with two massive screens at either end of Bishan Stadium! Mobile food trucks and carnival games will also add to the festive atmosphere outside the stadium.

Originally known as the AFC Cup, the revamped AFC Champions League Two is now the second-tier football tournament in Asia, ensuring thrilling competition awaits!