The Lion City Sailors have even bigger news to share! Their long-awaited AFC Champions League Two final with Sharjah on May 18 has already sold out. This monumental game will take place at Bishan Stadium. The stadium is in the process of increasing its seating capacity through an ongoing renovation, with plans to eventually host upwards of 10,000 fans.
Bishan Stadium, with a capacity of around 2,800, would have needed major improvements to host something so prestigious. Even the Sailors’ home ground, Jalan Besar Stadium, was considered unsuitable for the final. As if that wasn’t enough, the National Stadium (capacity 55,000) was out of play due to a planned concert by Lady Gaga.
It’s no surprise tickets sold out in a little over 24 hours! This rapid sell-out is a testament to the community’s enthusiasm for the match. Lion City Sailors’ chairman Forrest Li expressed optimism about the event’s significance, stating, “This final is not just a milestone for the Sailors — it’s a celebration of Singapore football. We can’t wait to see the stands packed and the nation rallying behind the team.”
This friendly match makes for an extraordinary opportunity! In doing so, the Lion City Sailors have become the first Singaporean club to reach a continental final. Captain Hariss Harun brings extensive experience to our squad. In 2015, he took Johor Darul Ta’zim to the AFC Cup final, becoming the first Southeast Asian club to do so. That year, Johor won the trophy, defeating Istiklol in a close 1-0 match.
It’s hard to understate the passion and commitment of fans who are currently clamoring for tickets and bolstering their team to prepare for the final. They cannot wait to witness Singaporean football grown on the international stage! A historic achievement for local clubs, the Lion City Sailors won their second straight title. Such success only serves to lift the entire football culture in Singapore.
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