Phu Tho Province in northern Vietnam plans to renovate and expand Viet Tri Stadium and Sports Complex, increasing its seating capacity by 150 percent and allowing it to continue meeting standards for hosting international football matches and tournaments following its successful organization of several games during the 2024 ASEAN Championship.

On Wednesday afternoon, the People’s Committee of Phu Tho Province held a meeting with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to discuss the renovation to Viet Tri Stadium and Sports Complex.

Since its renovation following the 31st Southeast Asian Games in 2022, Viet Tri Stadium, with a capacity of over 20,000, has successfully hosted several international events. 

The stadium has regularly hosted men’s and women’s football tournaments at all levels and most recently served as the home ground for the national men’s football team during the 2024 ASEAN Championship, which ran from December 8, 2024 to January 5. 

During the tournament, the team secured key victories, including 1-0 against Indonesia, 5-0 against Myanmar, 3-1 against Singapore in the semifinal second leg, and 2-1 against Thailand in the first leg of the final, before ultimately lifting the cup.

For the men’s teams, the stadium has hosted a total of 18 matches at the U17, U23, and national team levels, with an impressive record of 14 wins, four draws, and no losses.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Bui Van Quang, deputy secretary of the Phu Tho Party Committee and chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, expressed gratitude to the VFF for trusting and selecting Viet Tri Stadium for Vietnam’s home matches during the 2024 ASEAN Championship.

According to Phu Tho newspaper, the tournament attracted over 70,000 fans and tourists, with about 12,600 staying overnight during those match days.

Tourism revenue during the championship was estimated at VND50 billion (US$1.97 million). 

The event also significantly boosted Phu Tho’s image as a tourist destination, attracting more visitors after the tournament and contributing to the province’s tourism growth.

The renovation is symbolic of Phu Tho Province’s hope that the VFF will continue to coordinate with it to host national and international matches, particularly for the U23 and national teams.

Looking ahead, Phu Tho aims to renovate and upgrade the stadium and sports complex to a capacity of 30,000-35,000 seats this year, aligning with international standards. 

The province also plans to focus on developing its youth football training system to support tournaments linked to tourism.

In response, VFF chairman Tran Quoc Tuan praised Phu Tho’s effective coordination in hosting the 2024 ASEAN Championship and acknowledged the contributions of local security, medical, and cultural units to the event’s success. 

He highlighted that the province’s plan to upgrade Viet Tri Stadium to international standards will be key to hosting major tournaments in the future. 

VFF expressed its willingness to assist Phu Tho in training professional staff, coaches, and referees, as well as supporting future events at the stadium.

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