This pic popped up on my Facebook Memories -- March 2019. JDT had just beaten Selangor 4–2. It was probably the last time I watched a match at Shah Alam Stadium.
Fun fact: when the 80,000-capacity stadium officially opened in 1994, I was there with my uni mates -- among the first to sit on those shiny new seats. We didn’t quite realise then that we were witnessing the start of an era.
Marking that grand opening on 16.7.1994, fans were treated to a series of high-profile matches: Selangor vs Dundee United F.C., Leeds United F.C. vs Australia national under-23 team, and Selangor vs FC Bayern München. Among the stars on display was French striker Jean-Pierre Papin. At the time, it was the largest stadium in the region -- a true source of pride.
After that, I became a regular. Malaysia League matches, cup finals, international friendlies -- Shah Alam Stadium was the place to be. And of course, one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended: Bon Jovi live in 1995. Electric.
As we all know, in 2024, demolition works began to make way for the Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) redevelopment project, which is expected to be fully completed by 2029.
End of an era. But what memories it gave us.
