Stadium-starved Ho Chi Minh City redevelops landmark racecourse without stadium vision

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have begun infrastructure work on the historic Phu Tho horse racing site, but the redevelopment plan does not include a modern stadium - a long-missing piece in the city's sports ambitions.

The People's Committee of District 11 on Tuesday broke ground on a VND200 billion (US$7.68 million) road and utility project for the Phu Tho area, scheduled for completion in 2026.

The work follows a zoning plan approved in 2018 that earmarks the land for parks, schools, and cultural facilities - but not a stadium.

Built in 1932, Phu Tho was once one of Asia's most prominent horse racing venues before its closure in 2011.

Since then, the premise has been gradually repurposed, but Ho Chi Minh City's sports officials have long advocated its housing of a new stadium to replace Thong Nhat Stadium in the neighboring District 10, which no longer meets international standards.

The city's only stadium project - part of the Rach Chiec Sports Complex, located in Thu Duc City - remains stalled after more than three decades due to unresolved compensation and land clearance issues.

"With the Rach Chiec project still on hold, we used to hope that Phu Tho could be the alternative," said Mai Ba Hung, former deputy director of the city's Department of Culture and Sports.

"But the zoning plan prioritized schools, parks, and public needs over sports infrastructure."

The current plan includes five new roads within the site, as well as developments such as Phu Tho Park, a public square, housing for athletes and coaches, a high school, and administrative buildings related to sports medicine and training.

Hung acknowledged the importance of public needs but warned that without long-term planning and investment, Ho Chi Minh City risks falling behind in hosting international sporting events.

The city withdrew from hosting the 2021 Southeast Asian Games partly due to a lack of adequate facilities.

The Phu Tho sports hall is currently undergoing renovations, and a new circus and performance venue is nearing completion.

Authorities hope the site will evolve into a major hub for culture, education, and competitive sports.

Bao Anh - Nguyen Khoi / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/06/02-11:10)