NEW!! The SCG Stadium: The Home Of Muang Thong Utd by Grant Aitken: 2020

The SCG Stadium: The Home Of Muang Thong Utd

by Grant Aitken

Stadium
SCG Stadium, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi

Transport
This will prove to be problematic until the BTS is extended throughout Cheangwattana Road, which is scheduled for some time next year (or later). Get a taxi, it’s the least stressful option and they are usually plentiful as long as you aren’t attending the “late, late” kick off at 8pm.

Match Day Ticket
B180 baht gets you a seat behind the goal, B220 places you off centre or in “The Gods” and B250 for the privileged few that want to sit directly behind the dugout. Away fans pay B250 also and are probably being overcharged B30 based on the location.
Tickets can be purchased before match day using the LINE application for TicketMe. Pay by credit card and they’ll send a barcode to your phone which you present just before you enter the stand, it’s unnervingly simple now they’ve outsourced the responsibility to a 3rd party.

Club Shop
There are 2 open on match days, although only the location near the main ticket office is open throughout the week. It’s well stocked and in my household we generally buy any quirky new item they come out with, key rings, mascot teddies, bag packs and car stickers, club shirts of former players plying their trade in the J-League are also sold, although now Terrasil, Chanathip and Theeraton have left the club permanently, I’m not sure if this will still be the case.  Match day programmes are available and very professionally produced including an English section.

Away End
There’s about 1,000 seats available and those oppositional teams that bring that many will spill over into the upper stand. There’s not much room up there but if you like to be on top of the action it gives a great vantage point. It’s a good view wherever you sit and generally well appreciated by traveling supporters. The roofs are very short however, and only cover the back half a dozen rows, so bare this in mind when planning where to sit. 

Staff
Prior to the link-up with TicketMe I’d have this area pinned as mediocre, not terrible but not great. Since TicketMe have taken the helm, the customer service is noticeably better. There’s a good standard of spoken English at the ticket office, even for B Team matches and I usually get told to “enjoy the match, bro” in my native language too.

However, my one bugbear is the ridiculous gang of portly Ninjas they employ to stop Ultra fans coming onto the pitch at the end of the match. It’s a time long tradition that those players working their backsides off are presented with a custom made, Ultra fan styled T-Shirt and the club photographer happily snaps away as a shirtless spectator (perhaps it was his own shirt?) hops over the sponsor boards to hand it the club member of choice. It’s basically an initiation ceremony for academy players and new signings, with both players and spectators looking on excitedly to see who, if anyone is selected that week.

But, about 18 months ago during an away trip to Bangkok Glass, there was an unsavory incident were a fan threw a large flag onto the pitch at the end of the match which landed dangerously close to the players, and specifically the club captain. The fans I’ve spoken to say the intention was for the players to wave it, however the action was misconstrued by social media and ever since we’ve been treated to the presence of the worst Wu-Tang Clan tribute act you’re ever likely to see. A couple of them even sport black vests that read ‘US Army’ on the lapel and ski-masks that cover their faces, whilst all the others are dressed head to toe in black with batons in hand too. I’d laugh if it wasn’t my own club! 

Food
There’s a few options around the stadium but generally more going on around immediately outside. That’s the case for both sets of supporters. Many Muangthong fans hang out under the underpass and street vendors are happy to convenience them. About 100 yards back is the away stand entrance were away supporters, particularly those that traveled by car, pull out a mat and settle down for a picnic. It’s quite a nice contrast to see the two sets of fans relaxing outside the stadium in close proximity then being segregated inside as hostilities start at kick off.

Beer
B80 for a plastic glass full of team sponsored beer, Leo. It’s widely available throughput the stadium and can be taken inside too. For bigger matches, the beers are pulled early and put in fridges to cope with demand. They can get a little bit flat by the time they reach the customers, so remember to ask for a fresh one if possible.

Parking
There’s a large car park next to the lake, opposite the stadium. Those that go early and want to visit a restaurant in the area or do some shopping also have the option of Impact Arena. There’s separate parking for away fans too. Motorcyclists can park under the express way and avoid the seasonal showers.

Overall Experience
It’s widely considered one of the best footballing experiences in the league. I’m not as well travelled as I’d like when it comes to visiting other venues but I’ve heard enough positive comments to say that SCG Stadium is a must-visit for any local sporting enthusiast.