Overwhelming demand sees tickets vanish in six hours; FAS cautions against resellers.
Tickets for Singapore’s ASEAN Championship semi-final clash against Vietnam on Dec 26 sold out within six hours of going on sale. Fans queued overnight at Jalan Besar Stadium for the much-anticipated match. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has issued a warning against purchasing resold tickets, citing risks of invalid or counterfeit entries.
Singapore will face Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Championship semi-finals on Dec 26 at Jalan Besar Stadium. Ticket sales began at noon on Dec 22 and concluded just six hours later, reflecting the high demand for this crucial match. This is only the second time in a decade that Singapore has reached the semi-finals.
Tickets Sold Out in Hours
Tickets for the 6,000-capacity Jalan Besar Stadium sold out by 6:30 pm on Dec 22. Fans queued at the venue as early as the previous night, hoping to secure their spot. Prices ranged from S$24 to S$49, with away tickets priced at S$38. The limited capacity of the stadium fueled the scramble for tickets, leaving many fans disappointed.
FAS Warns Against Ticket Resale
The FAS issued a statement discouraging fans from purchasing tickets from resellers, warning that counterfeit or invalid tickets could lead to denied entry. Checks revealed listings on platforms like Carousell, where tickets were being sold for up to S$95 each. Away fans attempting to sit in home sections also risk ejection.
Concerns Over Venue Choice
The decision to hold the match at Jalan Besar Stadium instead of the National Stadium sparked criticism online. The National Stadium was unavailable due to prior bookings for concerts, a change announced late in the tournament schedule. Fans expressed frustration at the smaller venue’s capacity.
Hariss Harun’s Gesture and Fan Support
Singapore captain Hariss Harun surprised the first ten fans in the queue by personally buying their tickets. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and acknowledged the importance of fans in the team’s journey. His social media post highlighted the collective excitement for the match.
Match Preview and Tournament Progress
Singapore secured its semi-final spot with a 0-0 draw against Malaysia, finishing second in Group A. Vietnam, as Group B winners, dominated Myanmar 5-0 to advance. The second semi-final will feature Thailand and the Philippines. Singapore’s match against Vietnam will kick off at 9 pm on Dec 26.
The sell-out highlights the passion for football in Singapore but also underscores the need for better infrastructure to accommodate growing demand. For Singaporeans and international visitors, the match offers a thrilling spectacle, while raising concerns over access and inclusivity for fans.
Tickets for the Singapore-Vietnam ASEAN Championship semi-final sold out in six hours, prompting FAS to warn against ticket resales. Fans criticized the choice of the smaller Jalan Besar Stadium, while Singapore captain Hariss Harun expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. The match is set for Dec 26 at 9 pm.
Sources: CNA, Mothership SG (2024)
Keywords: Singapore-Vietnam Semi-Finals, Jalan Besar Stadium, Tickets Sold Out
