In the southern part of Hanoi, a project is taking shape that is set to completely redefine the global stadium hierarchy. The new arena, planned as the central element of a vast urban development, signals Vietnam’s sporting and infrastructural ambitions on an unprecedented scale.

New leader in world capacity rankings

The approved development plan for the southern part of Hanoi is a clear signal of Vietnam's global ambitions. The key element of this investment is the Trong Dong Stadium, designed to hold 135,000 spectators. Such capacity will allow the venue to take first place on the list of the world's largest stadiums.

This project shifts the current balance of power. The Vietnamese colossus will push the planned Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca and North Korea's Rungrado 1st of May Stadium down the podium. Thus, Trong Dong Stadium will become the undisputed number one, also outclassing venues such as Michigan Stadium or new Camp Nou.

Architecture rooted in Vietnamese tradition

Despite the record-breaking scale and modern solutions, the designers have opted for deep national symbolism. The stadium's form directly references the Đông Sơn bronze drums - artifacts that are the foundation of Vietnamese culture and identity. The facade will be adorned with characteristic Lạc bird motifs, intended to make the arena a new, recognizable symbol of the capital.

Trong Dong Stadium will be a strictly football-specific venue, distinguishing it from many multi-purpose giants equipped with athletics tracks. Investors have planned a range of advanced technological solutions. The arena will feature the world's largest retractable roof and a retractable pitch system, with the process of swapping or retracting the turf taking between 6 and 10 hours. The entire infrastructure will be supported by AI-based systems and modern telecommunication solutions.

© Trong Dong Stadium | The new stadium in Vietnam will become the largest stadium in the world and one of the most unique-looking facilities.

A city within a city

The stadium is merely the centerpiece of a much broader urban undertaking. The sports complex is being built as part of a megaproject named Olympic Sports City, which will cover an unimaginable area of over 9,000 hectares. The investment, worth a total of over $38 billion, envisions creating a new residential and sports district for approximately 750,000 residents.

Within the designated 411-hectare area dedicated strictly to sports infrastructure, smaller arenas, a swimming center, and a facility dedicated to esports will also be built. The project includes full facilities necessary for hosting major international events, such as the Asian Games or the Olympic Games. The infrastructure will be complemented by hospitals, a research center, hotels, shopping malls, and an extensive transport network.

Rapid pace of realization

The investment, carried out by private developer Vingroup, is characterized by an extraordinary pace of preparation. Information about the project only began to appear widely in the media towards the end of 2025, and by December 19, 2025 - on National Resistance Day - a solemn groundbreaking ceremony took place. It was one of 234 infrastructure initiatives inaugurated as part of nationwide celebrations.

The work schedule is very tight. According to the plan, Trong Dong Stadium is scheduled for completion in August 2028. The realization of the entire Olympic Sports City megaproject is foreseen to be finished by 2035.

© Trong Dong Stadium | Trong Dong Stadium is being built as part of a megaproject called Olympic Sports City.