Kampong Speu Provincial Stadium, which cost more than $4 million to build, was officially inaugurated on September 6 in a ceremony presided over by Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction Chea Sophara.

According to governor Vei Samnang, the stadium aims to raise the image and prestige of the province, as well as to contribute to the government’s development of the Kingdom’s sporting culture, as it prepares to host the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) next year.

“The stadium was built on the initiative of Hun Many, a lawmaker representing the province … He worked with the provincial authorities and the private sector to complete this project and raise the image of the province,” he said.

Construction of the stadium began in February last year and was completed on August 21. The more-than 40,000sqm stadium is located on National Road 44 in Ta Mol village of Chbar Mon commune and town. With a capacity of 3,000 spectators, it features a football pitch and a public gymnasium.

During the inauguration ceremony, Sophara praised the administration and leadership of the province for their excellent work in preparing the stadium in a short amount of time and at a reasonable cost. He also expressed his satisfaction at the fact that the build had been carried out in accordance with all relevant construction regulations.

“Of course, I received an order from Prime Minister Hun Sen to attend the inauguration, but I was also curious to see if the structure was registered correctly. Yesterday, there was an end of construction ceremony and a certificate was issued permitting the use of the stadium. This confirms that all legal procedures were followed,” he said.

In addition to sports training, he urged the provincial administration to use the stadium to generate revenue for the province, suggesting that it could be rented to promoters for large concerts when no sporting events are scheduled.

“I congratulate all of you on your achievement, but I want to make sure you don’t just build it and let it sit unused. We need to make sure we utilise this asset as effectively as we possibly can,” he said.

“The revenue of the province is nothing without additional income being earned, so in my opinion, whoever wants to advertise here or rent it for functions should be encouraged. Remember that civil servants and the guards at the stadium, as well as the vendors, also earn money through the use of this asset,” he added.

After the official inauguration, the stadium will be the training venue and home stadium of NagaWorld Football Club.

NagaWorld captain Kouch Sokumpheak, who also attended the inauguration, said: “We are happy to finally have our own stadium. Previously, we played home games in borrowed stadiums. I hope the people of Kampong Speu will come to support our team when we play here. A home stadium, home fans and a home pitch will all contribute to the confidence of our team. We hope to become even more competitive.”