Hua Hin Sports Facilities Come of Age

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Hua Hin Sports Facilities Come of Age
Hua Hin Today



HUA HIN -- True Arena Hua Hin & UHT Vana Nava Hua Hin City Stadium are now on stream to boost local football, tennis and much more.

It’s probably true to say that until now sports facilities in Hua Hin (other than golf courses that is!) have not really been able to provide the quality to support high level events, spectators experiences but also participation. The fitness facilities may also been somewhat less sophisticated than desirable. Vana Nava Hua Hin City, Hua Hin’s premier football team, has been using the Fort Thannarat Army Base as a home ground and although there are a variety of fitness centres and tennis courts, they have been typically found at resorts.

The opening last month of two new sports facilities have changed these short coming.

Even before the official opening of True Arena was able to host the 2016 Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I action with the centre court providing up to 5,000 seated spectators with the best views at the True Arena centre. The Fed Cup is the most important event worldwide in women’s tennis.

About True Arena Hua Hin

We attended the ‘Executive Open House’ last month with a guided tour provided by Virapol Cholvibul, or Khun Kai the General Manager. This was a great opportunity to see what’s on offer. Earlier in the day we also had a look at the Fed Cup competition and were able to see a great match between players representing Uzbekistan and Thailand. At one set-all and down 0 – 2 in the final set, the local’s were very happy with a fighting comeback by Thailand to win 6 – 3 in the final set. Tennis is one of the main sports catered for with 11 tennis court and the sunken centre court providing spectators with a great view. The court, including the surface, was modeled on the style and standards of the Rod Laver Tennis Arena, home of the Grand Slam event the Australian Open.

There are also multiple football pitches with state of the art grass surfaces providing ideal training grounds as well as a venue for some games although not really accommodating spectators, that’s where the new Khao Takiab football stadium comes in. Premier League teams have already made use of the grounds pre-season. The high ceiling gymnasium is a separate building providing for sports such as badminton, basketball, volleyball, futsai; designed with a cushioned surface to minimize any injury risks sometimes prevalent when the surface is less forgiving. Just before entering the Clubhouse I couldn’t help asking Khun Kai about the very large imposing ‘sculpture’ looming at the entry.

It’s a white figure which may have been based on a Greek God although the sun glasses, tennis racket (still in a cover) and oversized feet had us confused. Khun Khai said they call it ‘Mr Sportsman’ although it seems destined to have a less formal nickname before long if it hasn’t already; maybe ‘Bigfoot’? Fitness is the theme inside the main four level Clubhouse. There are ‘fleets’ of exercise machines of every shape, size and complexity. We are told some have a screen so that you can take a virtual tour, maybe join the Tour de France peloton? There are also assessment and training staff on hand, it’s all part of the FitNet Club facilities with some 1,500 square metres of floor space. Other styles of exercise include Body Combat, Body Pump, RPM (spinning), Zumba, and Yoga.

Even dancing of styles, maybe ‘dancercise’. On the rooftop we enjoyed a welcoming cocktail with panoramic outlook over tennis courts towards distant hills and a great evening sunset came into view. Just the place for a scenic ‘after exercise’ relaxation with a 25 metre infinity pool overlooking the nearby railway overpass. Our cocktail party included live music, fine food and drinks provided by food and beverage staff from the ground level Maria Restaurant (Maria Sharapova?). Our thanks to the True Arena staff for their hospitality and the tour. Memberships of different levels are now on offer. There’s really no excuse now to delay your fitness and future health. Just make a visit and check out what’s available any day.

TRUE ARENA HUA HIN

52/52 Petchkasem Road, Nong Gae. Heading over the rail overpass south of the town centre, the Arena can be seen directly in front. Do a U turn and return following the sign to the right, the parking area is just beyond the entry gates,

Open: 6.30 am to 10.00 PM.
Tel: 66 (0) 3290-9633.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/truearenahuahin

About The UHT Vana Nava
Hua Hin City Stadium;
Ready For a ‘New League’ To Begin

The future of Thai football Division 2 football in Thailand, which includes local team Vana Nava Hua Hin City, is now undergoing a major restructuring.

This has meant that plans for the season to commence on February 7th were cancelled and the new structure of the league and plans for the 2016 season are eagerly awaited. The 2016 football season was due to get underway; with local team Vana Nava Hua Hin City, competing in Division 2 of the Thailand Regional League at the brand new stadium in Khao Takiab. The Fort Thannarat Army Base grounds served a purpose however being some 20 kilometres from Hua Hin was not really ‘user friendly’ for spectators.

On 11th February ex-police chief Somyot Poompanmoung, reported to be backed by Leicester City’s owners, was elected as the new President of the Football Association of Thailand, in a vote prompted by the suspension of the former President. An early decision of the incoming President has been to suspend Division 2 and void games that had been played. He is understood to be completely re-structuring the league system. Football fans in Hua Hin are hoping that this is good news for the future of the game and the expansion of an eager and expectant fan base. A new league, a new Hua Hin Stadium; now let the games begin!

The latest reports suggest that the new season will get underway on 26th March. Hua Hin Today will provide as much information as possible as the ‘dust settles’; including an opportunity to attend at the new stadium and to provide the fixtures for the season. We’re also football fans!

Where is the Vana Nava Hua Hin City Stadium?

Approaching the overpass south of the town centre, continue straight towards Khao Takiab. The stadium is around 4 kilometres further with the entry on the right side of this road. Look for the light towers ready for night time football.

Hua Hin City Official Facebook:
www.facebook.com/Huahincityfc.Official
Hua Hin City Farang Fan facebook:
www.facebook.com/groups/1562160917433997/

Source: http://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/hua-hin-sports-facilities-come-of-age/

-- Hua Hin Today 2016-02-29