Iconic Merdeka Stadium to reopen in first quarter of 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Merdeka Stadium, one of the country’s most historical landmarks, is expected to reopen its doors to the public by the first quarter of 2024 after being closed since 2016.

Various activities ranging from sports, heritage and lifestyle events have been lined up for visitors when the iconic 20,000-seat capacity stadium starts operating just beside the world’s second tallest tower, Merdeka 118.

PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Berhad (PMVSB) chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Ab Aziz Tengku Mahmud said the stadium would also be made available for schools and sports clubs to carry out their sporting activities.

“A structure with a unifying and inclusive theme was what the first prime minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, had intended Merdeka Stadium to be and to bring to all Malaysians.

“A location for runners and school children in search of a proper running track within the city not far from where they work or live.

“Once reopened, it would also be a venue for sports days and training camps for schools, while football clubs can resume training and friendly matches once again,” he told BK after a recent tour of the stadium.

Tengku Ab Aziz said PMVSB also intends to organise heritage walks and guided tours for daily visitors to promote the history of the site of Malaysia’s declaration of independence in 1957.

He believes collaborations with lifestyle and fitness brands for monthly runs, yoga, taichi or outdoor spin classes, would also bring untapped potential to Merdeka Stadium.

“Annual Merdeka-themed celebrations via joint activities with existing neighbours are hoped to activate the stadium and benefit the surrounding community. We are also looking into the possibility of affordable food and beverage pop-ups or cafes,” he said.

Merdeka Stadium was considered the Federation of Malaya’s engineering marvel when construction began in 1956 and was completed within a year to host the most historical moment when Tunku Abdul Rahman declared the country’s Independence on Aug 31, 1957, followed by the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.

PMVSB established the Merdeka Heritage Trust (MHT) in 2006 to restore, preserve and manage Merdeka Stadium, which included the removal of seating terraces for a larger seating capacity of 45,000 seats built for the 1989 SEA Games.

Upon the completion of Merdeka 118 Tower, visitors can easily have access to Merdeka Stadium, as well as to the newly built Masjid Merdeka, Merdeka Boulevard and Merdeka Textile Muzeum, all located close to the stadium’s main entrance.

“The public can also enjoy breathtaking views of the city, surrounded by commercial, leisure and retail attractions. The Merdeka 118 Precinct will be a key destination for Malaysians as well as international visitors,” he said.

For sports fans, Merdeka Stadium is definitely a memorable venue, having been Harimau Malaya’s fortress, hosting multiple Pestabola Merdeka and football matches, seeing the big boys like Japan and South Korea, as well as the historic boxing bout between “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner in 1975.

The stadium had also witnessed a number of concerts by the world’s famous artistes including Michael Jackson in 1996, Linkin Park, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and Jennifer Lopez. – BK