The iconic Shah Alam Stadium in Malaysia, which once welcomed football giants like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, has been demolished in a dramatic display. Originally boasting a capacity of 80,372, the stadium was deemed structurally unsafe in 2020.
Plans for a state-of-the-art sports complex are underway, with the new facility expected to accommodate between 35,000 and 45,000 spectators. Since its inauguration in 1994, the stadium served as the home ground for the Malaysian football team Selangor and regularly hosted national matches, as well as live performances from major artists, including Bon Jovi in 1995.
The famous Shah Alam stadium, which held up to 80,000 people, was epically blown up in Malaysia
One of the largest stadiums in the world recognized as emergency in 2020. It was ordered to be demolished.
Complete dismantling will be completed next year. pic.twitter.com/8V7WipeZZC
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 25, 2024
The stadium’s opening event took place on July 19, 1994, featuring Dundee United and a Selangor XI in an invitational tournament that also included teams like Bayern Munich, Leeds United, Flamengo, and the Australian Olympic football team. On that day, former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar played for the Malaysian side, but it was Dundee’s Billy McKinlay who scored the first goal in the stadium’s history.
Over the years, the venue has been a hotspot for live music, hosting renowned bands such as Maroon 5 and Deep Purple, and marking Bon Jovi’s debut performance in Malaysia.
The forthcoming sports complex will feature advanced amenities, including a retractable pitch, indoor humidity control, and an “event mode” to accommodate concerts and other live events. The dismantling of the old stadium is expected to be completed by next year, while the new venue is anticipated to open by 2029.
