Ho Chi Minh City Unveils Plans for a $1.5 Billion Stadium with 70,000-Seat Capacity

On the morning of January 15th, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) simultaneously held groundbreaking ceremonies for four major infrastructure and transportation projects: the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex, Can Gio Bridge, Phu My 2 Bridge, and Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong section), in celebration of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Completion Within 5 Years

In the eastern gateway of HCMC, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex took place. The event was attended by Mr. Truong Tan Sang, former President of Vietnam, General Le Hong Anh, former Permanent Member of the Party’s Secretariat, and Mr. Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee, along with representatives from central agencies, local authorities, and departments.

According to the HCMC People’s Committee, the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex is envisioned as a modern national and regional sports hub, capable of hosting professional domestic and international sporting events such as the SEA Games, ASIAD, and other global competitions. It will also serve as a training center for athletes and a community fitness hub.

The project integrates commercial, tourism, and entertainment services, fostering socio-economic development in HCMC’s eastern region and establishing a cultural, sports, and tourism destination. Sun Group’s subsidiary, Vung Tau Sun Company, has been selected as the project’s investor. This is the largest of the four infrastructure and transportation projects launched on January 15th in HCMC.

Under Decision 69/2026 by the HCMC People’s Committee, the project is expected to take approximately 8 years from the signing of the BT contract. However, given its role as a key infrastructure project and its potential to drive development, HCMC and the investor aim to complete the entire complex within 5 years.

Spanning over 186 hectares, the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex features a 24-hectare central stadium with a total investment of VND 35 trillion and a seating capacity of 70,000.

The complex is designed as a multi-functional sports hub, capable of hosting approximately 90% of Olympic sports disciplines, catering to both competitive events and training needs.

Additionally, the community sports complex and facilities for athletes, coaches, and sports medicine will expand Rach Chiec’s role from a professional sports center to an urban sports and entertainment hub, creating a closed-loop ecosystem for training, competition, and rehabilitation.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of Sun Group, emphasized that the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex is not just a construction project but a strategic infrastructure component for HCMC’s long-term development.

“HCMC’s selection of a private enterprise like Sun Group for this key project reflects not only trust but also the spirit of Resolution 68/2025 by the Politburo on private sector development,” Mr. Truong stated.

Sun Group’s Chairman pledged to maximize resources, leverage expertise, and strictly adhere to legal regulations to ensure quality, timely completion, and safety throughout the project.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity

On the same day, the HCMC People’s Committee held groundbreaking ceremonies for two major transportation projects: Phu My 2 Bridge and Can Gio Bridge. The events were co-hosted by Masterise Group, the investor for both projects.

Phu My 2 Bridge and Can Gio Bridge are part of HCMC’s strategic infrastructure initiatives, aimed at modernizing the transportation network and supporting the adjusted Master Plan for HCMC until 2040, with a vision to 2060. These projects align with the city’s goal of becoming a leading economic, financial, and service hub in Asia and a growth driver for the Southern Key Economic Region.

Both projects were approved by the HCMC People’s Council under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with a BT contract. Masterise Group will collaborate with reputable contractors, with construction expected to take place from 2026 to 2029.

Can Gio Bridge, spanning approximately 6.3 km across the Soai Rap River, will connect Can Gio District with Nha Be District. The project includes a 3 km main bridge and over 3.3 km of approach roads, along with smaller bridges over the Cha River, Tac Song Cha River, and Muong Ngang Canal. The bridge will feature 6 lanes (4 for vehicles and 2 for mixed use) with a speed limit of 80 km/h.

Upon completion, Can Gio Bridge will eliminate the reliance on Binh Khanh Ferry, reducing travel time from HCMC’s center to Can Gio to 45-60 minutes. This will boost maritime economic development, tourism, and logistics in Can Gio and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, highlighted the city’s commitment to mobilizing resources for modern infrastructure development, fostering sustainable socio-economic growth.

With a total investment of over VND 13.2 trillion, Can Gio Bridge will become a new architectural landmark for HCMC, combining functionality with aesthetic design. It will serve as both a transportation hub and a scenic spot for residents and tourists.

Mr. Vinh noted that the project’s PPP-BT model, with Masterise Group as the investor, demonstrates the private sector’s proactive role in partnering with the government to develop national infrastructure.

“Today’s event marks not only the beginning of a vital transportation project but also symbolizes HCMC’s aspirations for a modern, connected, dynamic, and sustainable urban future,” Mr. Vinh added.

Also on January 15th, HCMC commenced construction on Phu My 2 Bridge. The 6.3 km bridge will have 8 lanes and a total investment of approximately VND 23.186 trillion. It will connect Nguyen Huu Tho Street in HCMC’s southern area to Dai Phuoc Commune in Dong Nai Province, linking directly to Long Thanh International Airport.

Once completed, Phu My 2 Bridge will alleviate traffic on the existing Phu My Bridge, National Highway 1A, National Highway 51, and the HCMC-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway. It will establish a new inter-regional transportation axis, reducing travel time and logistics costs while promoting sustainable urban and industrial development in HCMC’s eastern region and Bien Hoa-Dong Nai.