Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Once infamous for stalled progress and setbacks, Pattaya’s Eastern Sports Stadium is now on track to open sooner than anticipated. The long-delayed project has overcome numerous obstacles and is currently about 53% complete, with the timeline running 51 days ahead of schedule.

 

Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently inspected the site, accompanied by city officials and contractors, confirming that Phase 3 of construction is moving along smoothly and is expected to wrap up by Christmas Day this year.

 

Initiated in 2008 with a hefty budget of 774 million baht, the Eastern National Sports Centre's 20,000-seat stadium had been left unfinished for years, earning it the moniker of a "marathon project." However, with new leadership under Mayor Poramet in late 2022 and subsequent funding approval in early 2023, the project was revitalised.

 

The stadium is now visibly taking shape. Essential components like the grandstand entrance structure are completed, while 70% of the electrical and signal wiring and 20% of the roof frame are done. Progress ranges from 25% to 80% in different sections, with fields and infrastructure works well underway.

 

Significant advancements include the near completion of the 2,500-seat building on the north side, with 80% of its sanitary and electrical systems finished. Structural work on the south side is 90% completed, while architecture for the 5,000-seat stand is at 40%. Surrounding works, including drainage, curbs, and roads, are also finalised.

 

One major hurdle was the roof design’s complexity, which has now been simplified, enabling construction to proceed without further delay. However, the current budget for Phase 3 does not cover seating installations. A proposal for Phase 4 funding has been submitted, and if approved by September or October, seating can be installed alongside final touches.

 

Mayor Poramet is optimistic about the stadium’s future, envisioning it as a premier venue for national and international sports events as well as major concerts. After more than a decade, Pattaya is set to finally receive the world-class facility it has long awaited.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-02

 

 

2 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

One major hurdle was the roof design’s complexity, which has now been simplified

Translation - there won't be one.

4 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Translation - there won't be one.

 

Night games only during the 'winter' months...problem solved? 

Opening just in time for the Greenland Olympics !

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pattaya's Long-Delayed 20,000-Seat Stadium Nears Completion 

Crikey, when was that photo above taken? 

 

It looked the same 10 years ago. 

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

subsequent funding approval

So that was all it took for work to restart?  All big building projects have built in bribery funds.

How long before bits start to fall off

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The long-delayed project has overcome numerous obstacles and is currently about 53% complete, with the timeline running 51 days ahead of schedule.

I wonder what corners have been cut....

What sports are going to be hosted there?

38 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I wonder what corners have been cut....

 

38 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I wonder what corners have been cut....

All of them. I's oval. 😀

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I wonder what corners have been cut....

If there ever is a problem, it will be alongside some significant others, Hillsborough, Bradford, Heysel.  etc.

2 hours ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

 

All of them. I's oval. 😀

Ahhhh..

Be ready just in time for the collapse of the Thai economy. Great job?👏 

4 hours ago, Watawattana said:

What sports are going to be hosted there?

World cup 2040

4 hours ago, Watawattana said:

What sports are going to be hosted there?

The hundred metre run for collecting brown envelopes. 

2 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

World cup 2040

Using the Thai Buddhist calendar yes.

what would i like to see there? maybe the pete tong ibiza classics show with a full orchestra..?  Or what about the War of the Worlds stage show...that could be epic..plus a few show case matches in the off season between some premiership football clubs..? 

    53% done is nowhere near completion.   It's barely over half done--and after all those years.   Laughable--also funny, no money for seats.  Oh, well.