Remarkable images have surfaced showing the construction work for what is set to become the world's largest stadium. Work on the 135,000-capacity VinFast Trong Dong Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam, commenced nine months ago.
The stadium, named after and inspired by a traditional Vietnamese bronze drum, will boast the greatest capacity of any stadium globally, capable of accommodating more than double the number of spectators at Liverpool's home ground, Anfield. It is anticipated to open its doors by July 2027.
Newcastle United stadium decision looms
The images come as Newcastle United continue to deliberate over whether to build a new stadium or expand St James' Park. There are limits to how much more work the Magpies can do to their existing ground, but a new build would also come with challenges.
The VinFast Trong Dong Stadium is being constructed at the heart of the wider Olympic Sports City development, which Reuters reports will span approximately 22,200 acres on the fringes of Hanoi. The overall cost of the project is estimated at around $38 billion (£28.8bn).
Ambitious construction timetable
Construction crews are operating round-the-clock shifts to meet an ambitious timetable. The reinforced concrete framework must be finished by December 2026, following which the installation of the dome structure, electrical infrastructure and final touches will commence.
The retractable roof is understood to be scheduled for completion by May 2027, with the aim of unveiling the finished stadium in July 2027, one year earlier than the initial target date of August 2028. Recent photographs of the construction site reveal the ambitious project gradually taking form, with multiple cranes on display as the striking vision becomes reality.
Massive steel columns and retractable dome
The enormous stadium already features steel columns, believed to be hydraulic jacking towers weighing over 15,000 tonnes and reaching 80 metres in height. Their purpose is to raise the steel arch modules, which will create the stadium's retractable dome, from ground level. Upon completion, it will become the largest roof of its type anywhere in the world.
Plans indicate it will feature a circular gold dome modelled on a trong dong drum, with a diameter of 408 metres. Its design incorporates the patterns of Dong Son bronze drums, regarded as an emblem of ancient Vietnamese heritage. They symbolise "the spirit of community, strength, and longevity," according to the project's architects. The declared aim is for the stadium to emerge as "an architectural and cultural icon representing Vietnam in the new era."
Hosting ambitions and global comparisons
Vietnamese officials are hoping that the venue will allow them to submit bids for hosting events on the magnitude of the World Cup or the Olympic Games.
The planned capacity of 135,000 will comfortably exceed other football stadiums. The largest football venue in the world is presently the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, which can accommodate around 114,000. Morocco's Hassan II Stadium (115,000), ranks second. The venue is currently being built for the 2030 World Cup.
