Located on the northern outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Morodok Techo National Stadium stands as the country’s largest stadium, boasting a capacity of 60,000. The stadium, part of the Morodok Techo National Sports Complex, was inaugurated on August 16, 2021, and is a landmark for the nation’s sports infrastructure. It is set to be the main venue for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and will also host the ASEAN Para Games the same year.
Construction and Design
The stadium’s construction began in April 2017 with a groundbreaking ceremony held on April 4, 2017, and was completed by August 2021. China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) was the general contractor, with Chinese government financing the project with a generous $160 million aid package. The stadium’s design is symbolic, drawing inspiration from Cambodia-China relations and referencing the sailing ships used by the first Chinese settlers in Cambodia.
The architectural design includes two massive pylons, rising 99 meters, shaped to resemble the “sampeah” gesture, which is a traditional Cambodian form of greeting and respect. The stadium’s shape and structure are based on the Rumduol flower, Cambodia’s national flower, and is surrounded by an Angkor-style moat, referencing the famous Angkor Wat temples.
Stadium Features and Facilities
Morodok Techo National Stadium features a three-tier seating arrangement, offering an expansive view of the field and surrounding complex. The pylons on the northern and southern sides not only support the roof but also serve as a visual representation of the country’s culture and history. The total built-up area of the stadium spans 82,400 square meters, with the stadium itself occupying more than 16 hectares.
The stadium’s capacity is designed to hold 60,000 spectators for major sporting events. It is built to accommodate a variety of sports, including football, athletics, and cricket, with state-of-the-art facilities to host international events. The Morodok Techo National Sports Complex includes other arenas such as a swimming pool and a sports hall that are ready to support the needs of athletes and fans alike.
Notable Events
Morodok Techo National Stadium has already seen international action, hosting matches for Cambodia’s national football team and club competitions such as the 2024–25 AFC Challenge League. Notable fixtures include:
- 2022 AFF Championship (Dec 20, 2022): Cambodia 3–2 Philippines (Attended by 4,860 spectators)
- 2022 AFF Championship (Dec 29, 2022): Cambodia 5–1 Brunei (Attended by 6,169 spectators)
- 2024–25 AFC Challenge League Final (May 10, 2025): Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 1–2 FK Arkadag (Attended by 51,610 spectators)
The 2023 Women’s T20 International between Cambodia and Singapore was the first international cricket match held at the venue.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Morodok Techo National Stadium will play a central role in Cambodia’s sports development, hosting international competitions such as the 2023 SEA Games, the ASEAN Para Games, and the 2029 Asian Youth Games. The stadium is poised to be a key facility for the region’s sporting future, promoting both international exposure and local pride.
