Long An Stadium: From sports pride to park project – the story of a fading icon

Long An Stadium, located in Long An ward, Hoa Thanh town, Tay Ninh province, was once a source of pride for local sports when inaugurated in 2026 with a capacity of 20,000 seats. But after more than 40 years of operation, this facility is at a historic crossroads: conversion into a green park and multi-functional square serving the community. The proposal submitted by the Long An ward People's Committee to Tay Ninh province is under review, while the severe deterioration of the stadium has raised many questions about the future of a once-iconic sports landmark. According to on-site observations, Stand B has a danger warning sign due to peeling walls, the drainage system is damaged with broken tanks and exposed steel bars. The football field surface is peeling concrete, exposing the steel structure underneath. The goal area is severely deteriorated, with moss covering the field surface and stands. Although the grass is still mowed and maintained fairly flat for small local tournaments, it is clear the stadium no longer meets professional competition standards. In recent years, the stadium has rarely hosted major sports events, reflecting a downward spiral: fewer events lead to less maintenance investment, leading to faster deterioration. Beyond the main field, the 75,000 m² complex includes an auxiliary field, gymnasium, martial arts house, and swimming pool – all in similar decay. This was once an important sports center of the former Long An province (before the administrative merger into Tay Ninh), but the boundary change disrupted the management and investment chain. Many experts believe the lack of clear responsibility during the transition period is the main cause of the prolonged deterioration. Financially, the story is even more complex. In 2026, Tay Ninh province planned to sell assets and transfer land use rights to fund a new sports center. By August 2026, the stadium was transferred to the Land Development Center with an expected auction value of 1,822 billion VND. However, the auction never took place. In May 2026, the Provincial Party Committee suspended the plan. On June 25, 2026, the Government Inspector General concluded the auction plan was non-compliant. On August 26, 2026, the provincial People's Committee officially revoked the auction decision. This series of reversals shows instability in public asset management and raises questions about the responsibility of involved agencies. Facing this situation, the Long An ward People's Committee proposed converting the land into a green park and multi-functional square. The preliminary design includes a green ring, walking paths, and community activity areas – a green space serving local residents' recreation and sports needs. This proposal is being reviewed by Tay Ninh provincial authorities. If approved, the 20,000-seat stadium will permanently disappear from Vietnam's sports map, replaced by a public space that generates no direct revenue but meets urban greening needs. However, the proposal faces concerns from small traders operating around the stadium. Currently, food stalls, coffee shops, and fashion stores operate on the sidewalks and within the stadium grounds. A trader named Bao said he heard about the conversion but has not received official notice. He is willing to return the premises when required, but prolonged uncertainty makes business difficult. The lack of official notice indicates that community consultation procedures have not been fully implemented, a weakness that could cause controversy later. From a sports perspective, the disappearance of Long An Stadium will reduce the number of professional football venues in the Southeast region. With other stadiums like Go Dau (Binh Duong) and Thong Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) already overloaded, losing a 20,000-seat venue is a significant loss. Long An Club twice won the V.League (2026, 2026) and this stadium was once the holy land of provincial football. The stadium's decline parallels the decline of Long An football at the professional level – another negative spiral hard to escape. Local public opinion is currently quiet, but potential hot spots exist. The older generation who witnessed peak matches here may feel nostalgic, while younger people have less attachment and easily accept a modern green space. This generational divide will shape the intensity of reaction when the province organizes community consultation. From a management perspective, this case is a lesson in maintaining sports infrastructure. A once-proud facility was neglected for years until it became irreparable. The full rehabilitation cost may equal or exceed new construction, making conversion economically reasonable. However, the question remains: is there a way to retain some sports function on the site, such as building a small training field within the park? Or will everything give way to concrete and greenery? The Government Inspector General has pointed out violations in the auction process, but no individual responsibility has been determined. If involved officials face disciplinary action, it will serve as a warning for other public asset conversion projects nationwide. Meanwhile, the expected 1,822 billion VND from the auction is gone, and Tay Ninh province must find alternative funding for the new sports center – a significant budget pressure. The future of Long An Stadium is still ahead, but one thing is certain: if the proposal is approved, Tay Ninh football will lose a historic venue, and Vietnamese football will lose another provincial stadium. This story is not just about Long An, but a wake-up call for many other aging stadiums across the country – facilities dying slowly with no one to save them. For the people of Long An ward, they await a decisive decision. Whether park or stadium, the most important thing is transparency and full consultation. Because a sports icon may disappear, but people's trust in the government cannot be rebuilt overnight.