Rach Chiec National Sports Complex

For centuries, Nipa Palms have lined the banks of the Mekong River, providing space and shelter for community and trade, while protecting the riverbanks from erosion. They are also the inspiration for the Populous design, with the idea of protection and openness becoming the guiding principle for the Stadium’s form: a fully retractable, acoustically rated roof, the first of its size in Southeast Asia, paired with an open-concourse facade that shelters spectators from the elements without shutting the venue off from the city around it. 

The Stadium and 18,000-seat Arena sit within a wider masterplan that groups an aquatic center, multi-purpose halls, training facilities and sports medicine services around a central park and riverscape. The goal is to create a precinct that works as hard for the local community as it does marquee sporting events. 

Flexible seating configurations, zone-based air-conditioning and integrated digital and broadcast infrastructure give the venues room to adapt as event formats and fan expectations change. The combination of future-ready technology and world-class capacity is intended to ensure the Stadium and Arena remain key venues in the global sport and entertainment calendar. 

Paired with capacity for most Olympic sports, the design gives Vietnam the scale to host the Southeast Asian Games, AFC Cup competitions and, eventually, an Olympic & Paralympic Games. 

The Stadium and Arena design are informed by the masterplan, developed by Populous, for the entire precinct.  The masterplan provides anchors for a park like experience, supported by commercial offerings and activations. Populous is focusing on making the venues accessible, well connected and flexible to provide a variety of experiences for all demographics 

Public parks and plazas will extend throughout the site, linking all sports facilities, creating ecological buffers, and offering community spaces. Waterfront areas will host recreational activities, community sports, outdoor events and festivals, as well as dining, shopping, and cultural exchange spaces, contributing to better quality of life for residents.  

Commercial, service and conference areas are planned to support sports and event activities, hosting world-class artistic performances and forming a center for an event-driven economy, nighttime economy and increased tourist spending in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Total investment in the 186.78 hectare project is valued at more than VND145,000 billion.