Mandalar Thiri Sports Stadium, located in Mandalay, Myanmar, is a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 30,589 spectators. The stadium was built as part of a sports complex and opened in November 2013, ahead of the 2013 Southeast Asian Games, where it hosted the women’s football tournament. This stadium quickly became a key fixture in Myanmar’s sports infrastructure, especially for football.
Construction and Design
The stadium was constructed on land that was previously used for vast farmland, with groundbreaking starting in January 2011. The project was part of Myanmar’s bid to host the 2013 Southeast Asian Games, and the stadium was one of three football venues built specifically for the tournament. Mandalar Thiri Sports Stadium was built using a design model delivered from China, which was used for all three SEA Games football stadiums, though with minor alterations to the color schemes.
After the Games, the stadium became home to Yadanarbon FC, a prominent local football team, and has remained a central venue for domestic football matches.
Facilities at Mandalar Thiri Sports Stadium
The Mandalar Thiri Sports Complex includes several facilities that support both professional and local sports. The main stadium is surrounded by a range of training fields, making it one of the best training centers in the region. In addition to football, the complex also houses a multipurpose indoor stadium that hosts various Lethwei (Myanmar’s traditional martial arts) events. The World Lethwei Championship has held many of its tournaments at this venue, cementing the stadium’s reputation as a versatile sports hub.
International and Domestic Use
While it serves as the home ground for Yadanarbon FC, Mandalar Thiri Sports Stadium has also hosted international fixtures. The stadium has been the site of friendly matches for the Myanmar national football team, including games against Thailand, Cambodia, and Chinese Taipei.
Some of the key international fixtures include:
- Myanmar vs Thailand (October 2017): Thailand won 3-1, with an attendance of 15,000.
- Myanmar vs Cambodia (November 2018): Myanmar won 4-1, with 26,946 spectators.
- Myanmar vs Indonesia (March 2019): Indonesia won 2-0.
Key Features
- Location: 68th St, Mandalay, Myanmar
- Inauguration: 2013
- Capacity: 30,589
- Surface: Grass
- Current Tenants: Yadanarbon FC
- Facilities: Main football stadium, multipurpose indoor stadium, and 7 training fields
