Supachalasai Stadium by Paul Hewitt and Kevin Watkin: 2010

As part of my countdown to the 2010 FA Cup final, I asked Paul Hewitt and Kevin Watkin to provide me with some information on the host stadium - Supachalasai - and how to get there. Here's what they submitted. 

SUPACHALASAI STADIUM 

by Paul Hewitt

The original national stadium - the Suphachalasai - is much more modest and more likeable than its ostentatious younger brother (Rajamangala). Situated at the western end of the Rama I Road, this venerable ground is far more conveniently located than the Rajamangala, too. It is also well-served by public transport as it has its own sky-train station: 'National Stadium'. Its external appearance is more pleasing than that of the giant a few miles to the east. 

Though still a long way from the world of remarkable architecture, the columnar mouldings, mullioned windows and cream-coloured cladding of the north stand facade have a dignified charm. The stadium is rectangular in shape but with curved corners. This enables one to be far closer to the action than at the Rajamangala. At each side, the edge of the athletics track almost touches the front of each stand but is separatated from doing so by a very well-maintained hedge which continues round to each end. 

The main stand is plain and neat. A single-tiered affair with a flat cantilever roof, the stand was considerably brightened up a couple years ago by the addition of brilliant-red tip-up seats. The other three sides of the ground are identical to each other in height and depth. The northern end of the ground, to the left of the main stand, is topped by a rather dated electronic scoreboard. This end continues round to the popular eastern side which in turn extends round to the rarely used southern end. 

All three sides are uncovered and are fitted with backrest-less red bench seats which went in at the same time as the main stand seats. The gaps between each bench seat, the profusion of stairways which separate each block and the large seat-less areas around each vomitory have reduced the capacity from 35,000 to nearer 20,000. 

Though the Suphachalasai lacks the drama of the Rajamangala, its good sight lines, accessibility and history have ensured its continued use despite its current status as 'Thailand's other national stadium'. 

HOW TO GET THERE 

by Kevin Watkin 

Ground: Supachalasai Stadium (aka National Stadium), Rama I Road, Bangkok 

Last Visited: October, 2010 

Club: Neutral ground, usual used for cup finals, and some internationals (although Rajamangala is usually preferred). Also an alternative home ground for clubs in AFC competitions, whose home stadia don't meet AFC regulations. 

Directions (Bangkok): The easiest way to get there is by BTS (Skytrain) to National Stadium station, and continue walking in the same direction as the train. From the left side of the station, you will see MBK and Tokyu shopping complexes, and a football ground (Thepsahadin) walk away from MBK, past the football stadium, tuk-tuk drivers, etc, along Rama I road. About 200-300m along the stadium entrance is on the left. The ticket booth is next to the gate, on the street. as you enter, the Northern End is in front of you, the main covered stand (West) is around to the right, and the Eastern terraces to your left. 

If you walk along Rama I, and get to an intersection with a Tesco Lotus on the opposite corner, you've gone too far. Buses that pass the stadium along Rama I are: 15, 47, 48, 73, 73ก, 183, 204, 508. Buses 11, 93, 113 also pass, but only from the East (Siam Square/Sukumvit) 

From outside Bangkok: Ekkamai Bus Station: Skytrain from Ekkamai station (slightly to right of bus station entrance) as per above. (You'll need to change at Siam). Alternatively, buses 25, 40, 48, 501, 508, going up Sukumvit will get you to Siam shopping centres. Keep walking towards MBK and the stadium as per above (10-20 mins to the stadium) Mor Chit Bus Station: Bus 529 will get you Siam shopping centres. Walk towards MBK and the stadium as per above (10-20 mins to the stadium) Buses 3, 26, 28, 77, 90, 96, 104, 122, 134 (my usual), 136, 145, 157, 182, 188, 509 all leave from the bus station and pass BTS Mor Chit station. BTS to National Stadium as per above. (Change at Siam) 

Hualumphong Railway Station: Taxi/motorbike is probably the best option from here. Ask for Sanam Geela Haeng Chart/ Supachalasai. Public transport is probably more hassle than it's worth, but: Buses: 73 & 73ก appear to be the best bets, although 67 will get you to Rama I/Tesco Lotus intersection mentioned above. The bus will turn left, you need to turn right and walk along Rama 1. 

MRT/Underground: Option A: Go to Silom station, switch to BTS (Sala Daeng station), and go to National Stadium station as above. A very roundabout way to get there. Option B: Go one stop to Samyan station, then taxi/motorbike, or catch bus 47, 113 on Phya Thai Rd.